17-year-old crash victim praised as ‘born leader’

The North Vancouver teen who died early Saturday in a car accident has been identified.

Elijah Drasyl, 17, was driving when the crash took place around 4 a.m. in the 6300-block of Marine Drive near the Gleneagles golf course. Drasyl died at the scene, while a 19-year-old female passenger was taken to hospital.

In a statement sent to parents, Argyle Secondary School principal Kim Jonat confirmed Drasyl was killed in the car accident Saturday. Drasyl had attended Argyle for Grades 8 and 9 and, at the time of his death, was a Grade 12 student at Mountainside Secondary. He also continued to participate in Argyle’s sports programs.

“He was very connected to both school communities and his loss will certainly affect both schools. Our hearts go out to the family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” Jonat wrote.

Jonat also said grief councillors from the school district would be available to students at both schools today and that an announcement would be made to students in the morning.

In an Instagram post shared to the account for Argyle Secondary’s football program, Drasyl was described as a “born leader” and his death as a “giant loss to the world.”

West Vancouver police, along with the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service, were at the scene Saturday morning to determine what caused the crash. Speed is believed to be a factor.

An investigation is continuing. Anyone who witnessed the accident, has dashcam footage or can provide any other pertinent information is asked to call West Van police.