The community of Riverview, N.B. is mourning the death of a young man struck and killed in a crosswalk, a tragedy many residents say could have been prevented.
The victim has been identified as 21-year-old Patrick Lance Riswold, who was struck by a passenger van while crossing Hillsborough Road, a busy four-lane road that doubles as a regional highway.
Police say Riswold died at the scene.
“We know that alcohol was not a factor and speed was not a factor, at this time,” said RCMP spokesperson Sgt. André Pepin.
RCMP investigators spent two days at the crosswalk where Riswold was killed.
They say their investigation is ongoing, but they do not anticipate charges will be laid at this point.
“On the criminal side, I'd be really surprised. On the motor vehicle side, maybe,” Pepin said.
Police say they are still waiting for the report from the accident reconstructioninst, as well as the completion of more witness statements.
Now, neighbours are leaving flowers at a growing memorial at the crosswalk that’s now marked by controversy.
The crosswalk on Hillsborough Road had flashing amber lights until a car crash in February knocked over the pole.
The lights haven’t worked since, because the town had to wait for the delivery of a part needed to complete the repairs.
“This is a part that most people are not aware of. We weren't ourselves until it had to be replaced,” said Riverview Mayor Ann Seamans.
“There's a backload of this right around the world for this type of pole,” she said.
Seamans confirmed that residents had been in contact with the town about their safety concerns regarding the crosswalk.
Many believe four months is too long to wait for such repairs.
“When this damage happened it reverted back to a regular crosswalk, pedestrian crosswalk, and until the parts were available in order to replace it, that's what it had to be,” Seamans said.
A funeral for Riswold has been scheduled for Thursday in Riverview.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis
