An on-duty RCMP officer with 11 years of police service on Vancouver Island has died following a crash in Langford early Tuesday morning.
The collision occurred near the intersection of Goldstream and Peatt Road around 3:30 am.
Paramedics were on scene shortly after, and tried to revive the officer. However she was pronounced deceased just after 4 a.m.
Officers closed the area off until 2 p.m. while they investigated. The area has since reopened.
RCMP confirm the officer was 32-year-old Cst. Sarah Beckett, of the West Shore Detachment in ‘E’ Division. She leaves behind her husband and two young children.
Chief Superintendant Ray Bernoties, the Island District Commander, described the West Shore RCMP officer as a popular officer who leaves behind a young family.
“This morning I met with her family, who must now start to deal with this absolute tragedy. Sarah leaves behind her husband, and two young children, as well as her mother and her sister, and countless friends.”
“They ask for privacy as they grieve.”
The driver of the pickup-truck was taken to hospital for a medical assessment, but his injuries are not considered serious. He is now in police custody. There is a criminal investigation underway, being led by the RCMP’s Regional General Investigation Section. Saanich Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision to ensure impartiality.
While still unconfirmed, early reports indicate alcohol and speed was involved.
Beckett has been with the RCMP since 2005 and spent all of her 11 years of service on Vancouver Island. Serving in Port McNeill, Langford, Colwood and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crimes Unit.
Premier Christy Clark issued the following statement:
“Early this morning in Langford, Const. Sarah Beckett was on duty when her
police cruiser was involved in a collision with a truck. Despite the best
efforts of first responders on the scene, they were unable to save her.
My thoughts are with Const. Beckett’s colleagues in the RCMP, and
especially with her husband and her two young children. Nothing anyone
can say will ease their pain during such a dark time. In the years to
come, I hope they will take comfort in the knowledge that their mother
was a hero.
Each and every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep
the rest of us safe. We should all take the opportunity to thank them
more often.”
The RCMP are accepting condolence messages for the family of Cst. Sarah Beckett.
Email: RCMP.Condolences-Condoleances.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Messages will be given to the family and it will be posted on the West Shore RCMP site. If you prefer they don’t post online or if you would like them to sign yours as anonymous, please indicate so in the email.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help Beckett’s family through this difficult time.
On behalf of the government, I offer my condolences to the family of RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett, who was killed today in the line of duty.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 5, 2016
Please expect Goldstream Ave/Peatt Rd to be closed until at least 2pm to allow investigation. Avoid area Sorry for any inconveniences.
— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) April 5, 2016
Confirming a collision involving an RCMP cruiser at Goldstream Ave and Peatt Rd in Langford. Pls avoid area. No further info at this time.
— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) April 5, 2016
