Max Poley dies in fatal collision on Vancouver Island
Fatal collision on Vancouver Island death of Max Poley
A 24-year-old student at North Island College in Courtenay, British Columbia, passed away from a severe head injury after an encounter with a cyclist on the night of September 16, 2025. The incident occurred while the individual was walking home from his evening job at the campus cafeteria.
Investigators with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are examining the case and have identified the cyclist involved. Emergency medical services responded to the scene at approximately 8:49 p.m. local time, transporting the deceased to a hospital in Victoria. Although he initially showed signs of recovery in intensive care, he later suffered a critical brain hemorrhage that proved fatal.
Carissa Wilson, who serves as the executive director of the North Island Students’ Union, described Poley as a “very kind and approachable young man” and expressed profound grief over his untimely demise. She noted that the student was commuting along a hilly and busy road known for its limited width, which may have contributed to the unfortunate event. Wilson added that preliminary reports suggested the cyclist was on a sidewalk at the time, but this detail has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Poley, a student enrolled in office administration and pursuing online university courses, had aspirations to relocate to either Vancouver or Victoria. He was remembered by colleagues for his innovative approach to personal organization, having developed color-coded spreadsheets for tracking his reading habits. The college issued a statement acknowledging his loss as a significant blow to the campus community.
Community members and fellow students have shared numerous tributes, highlighting his compassionate nature and willingness to engage with others. A fundraising effort has been initiated by Wilson to assist Poley’s mother, who undertook a lengthy journey from the Comox Valley to Victoria for support. Poley’s organs were made available for transplantation, potentially benefiting up to seven individuals.
Earlier reports contained an error regarding the road conditions; the steep section of Ryan Road features a narrow shoulder, not a dedicated bike lane, as clarified by officials. This correction ensures accurate representation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
