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Child riding inflatable tube struck and killed by speedboat in North Vancouver

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An 11-year-old child died after being hit by a speedboat while tubing near Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday evening, police confirmed.

A second child on the inflatable tube was airlifted to hospital in critical condition.

Firefighters, paramedics, police, the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue were all sent to the scene around 6:30 p.m. First responders tried to save the lives of both children, but one was declared deceased on-site.

“Our sincere condolences to the child’s family and friends as we deal with this tragic loss of life,” said Cpl. Mansoor Sahak with the North Vancouver RCMP at a news conference Sunday.

The incident happened during a warm and sunny evening and Cates Park and its public boat launch were busy, meaning there would have been several witnesses, he added.

Police say the driver of the speedboat is in custody, and both speed and alcohol are factors in the collision.

Charges have yet to be laid, but Sahak told they could include criminal negligence causing death and impaired operation of a vessel.

The driver of the boat towing the tube is a family member of one of the children, who are not related, according to police. The children are from Vancouver and the suspect is from North Vancouver. The RCMP did not disclose the genders of anyone involved.

Police say they’ve received several reports from witnesses but ask anyone who has not yet spoken to them to call 604-985-1311. Anyone affected by the tragedy can call Victim Services at 604-969-7540.

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