Driver’s medical issue blamed for fatality on Gorge Road West
Victim struck while walking on sidewalk
After a lengthy investigation, Saanich police say they believe that the driver of an SUV that hit and killed a pedestrian on Gorge Road West on Oct. 18 was suffering from a medical issue.
The driver, a 25-year-old woman, lost control of the SUV, mounted the sidewalk and struck 31-year-old Khushal Rana, police said.
Rana died three days later in the intensive-care unit at Victoria General Hospital.
The driver will not be charged, but investigators submitted a request for review of her fitness to drive to the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.
Rana’s wife, Meena Devi, was pregnant at the time of the tragedy and gave birth to healthy twin boys on Nov. 20.
The couple and their four-yearold son, Ankush, had been in Victoria for only two months when Rana was struck.
He had just left a celebration for Ankush’s birthday and was walking to a bus stop to get to work when the SUV hit him.
Rana worked as a chef at the Uptown location of Sizzling Tandoor. He was the youngest of five children, and sent some of his earnings to his parents in India.
He arrived in Canada in 2013, was approved for permanent residency last year, and was joined by his wife and child.
A GoFundMe campaign for the family, started by Sizzling Tandoor general manager Kim Bawa, has raised more than $128,000. It had a goal $90,000.
Bawa thanked the public for its generosity as support for the fund grew.
Saanich police Acting Sgt. Jereme Leslie said there were many facets to the investigation.
“There’s a tonne to look at,” Leslie said. “Our crash-analyst team takes a look at all the evidence that’s in and around the scene, and also from the vehicle itself.”
Police went through medical records, as well, and took statements from the driver, witnesses, paramedics and hospital staff.
Leslie said officers have been in contact with Rana’s family throughout the process.