A man charged after a Dodge Caravan travelling the wrong way on the Nanaimo Parkway struck a Toyota Yaris, killing the 24-year-old driver, has died in custody before standing trial.
Michael Allison Rennie was charged with criminal negligence causing death, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop after an accident in connection with the crash on July 19, 2023.
The B.C. Coroners Service confirmed it is investigating Rennie’s death to determine how, where, when and by what means Rennie died.
B.C. Corrections confirmed the death of an individual in custody at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre on April 23 and said it will conduct a review into the circumstances.
“Any death in custody is a tragedy and our thoughts are with this individual’s loved ones at this time,” B.C. Corrections said in a statement.
Rennie was scheduled to make a court appearance on April 25, but the matter was abated in court Tuesday morning due to Rennie’s death, the B.C. Prosecution Service said.
Reid Davidson, a member of the Nanaimo United soccer club, after his vehicle was struck by the Caravan, which was heading south in the northbound lanes, near the Cedar overpass about 10 p.m.
The club said Davidson played for Vancouver Island University before serving as captain of Nanaimo United’s Division 2 team when it won the league title in February 2023 — scoring the clinching goal on a penalty shot.
The club described Davidson as “one of the kindest and most selfless people you could ever wish to meet.”
Witnesses said the 59-year-old driver of the van tried to flee after the crash, but officers found him a short distance away with the help of a police dog.
