A hit and run that killed a teenager in Rutland on Saturday, Oct. 21 is now being investigated by Kelowna RCMP as a homicide.
No arrests have been made as police say it is in the early stages of an investigation.
According to Cpl. Michael Gauthier police responded to a bear spray incident in the Rutland area at about 4 p.m. on Oct. 21.
Officers determined that a bear spray incident involved a group of teens which resulted in a number of people being affected.
While tending to this matter, police were advised of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Houghton and Franklyn Roads.
The 15-year-old, identified by his parents as Tristan Seeger, was taken to Kelowna General Hospital in critical condition and later succumbed to his injuries.
Cpl. Gauthier said that investigators believe the victim struck by the vehicle was associated with the nearby prior bear spray incident.
“This is a very sensitive investigation and it is essential that we conduct it methodically and thoroughly to get it right,” said Cpl. Gauthier. “The Kelowna RCMP offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the victim.”
The Kelowna RCMP Serious Crime Unit has taken conduct of this homicide investigation and are currently interviewing witnesses and collecting additional evidence.
“The Kelowna RCMP are unable to comment further as they do not want to jeopardize the ongoing investigation,” said Cpl. Gauthier.
A vigil was held for Tristan Seegar on Oct. 22 at Ben Lee Park where about 200 people attended to pay their respects to the teen.
His mother Paule Seeger spoke at the vigil and said her son was a social butterfly who was loved a lot.
“He was, he was an old soul. He was clever. He had a devilish grin and he loved his brother and he was very loved,” she said.
Seeger said it was his friends who planned the vigil and asked for those who attended to bring a stuffed animal.
“They have all come together and brought beautiful flowers and oh, that sweater,” she said pointing to a sweatshirt that said law on it.
Tristin wanted to go to law school after he graduated. Seeger explained that the whole family was going to move to the U.K. eventually.
There was a minor disturbance at the vigil and six RCMP cruisers responded to help de-escalate the situation.
When asked about the disturbance, Seeger said there should be no retribution for what happened to her son.
“What we’re doing is we’re going to share Tristan’s memory and the person who killed him may have killed him, but he’ll never kill his memory,” she said.
Anyone with video or information regarding these incidents are asked to phone the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2023-63092. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Central Okanagan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.crimestoppers.net
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