14.38°C Vancouver

Jun 3, 2021 9:28 PM -

Homeless man dies after being run over in Downtown Eastside alley

Share On
homeless-man-dies-after-being-run-over-in-downtown-eastside-alley
Vancouver Police are investigating the death of a homeless man, who was run over by a car last week after falling asleep in a Downtown Eastside laneway. (Photo - Vancouver Police/Twitter)

Vancouver Police are investigating the death of a homeless man, who was run over by a car last week after falling asleep in a Downtown Eastside laneway.

"This is tragic and heartbreaking on many levels," says Sergeant Steve Addison, VPD. "While this was an awful and avoidable set of circumstances, we don’t believe foul play or dangerous driving were factors in this collision."

VPD investigators believe the man, a 39-year-old with no fixed address, was using drugs in a lane near Gore Street and Union Avenue on May 26 when he fell asleep in front of a parkade gate around 3:30 p.m. A driver, who was attempting to enter the underground parking lot, mistakenly drove over him.

"The pedestrian suffered grave injuries and had to be extricated from underneath the car by paramedics and firefighters," adds Sergeant Addison. "He was rushed to hospital for treatment, but sadly died on Tuesday."

VPD’s Collision Investigation Unit is now leading the investigation. Detectives have spoken with the driver, reviewed security video from the laneway, and examined the vehicle involved. It appears the driver was unable to see the pedestrian, who was lying flat on the ground near the parkade entrance. No charges or tickets are expected against the driver.

Latest news

details-coming-soon-on-gun-buyback-program-minister
CanadaSep 17, 2025

Details coming soon on gun buyback program: minister

The public safety minister says details on the Liberal government’s gun buyback program will be released within the next couple of weeks. Gary Anandasangaree says the government will provide information on next steps and the mechanics of the program very soon. Anandasangaree says he is confident collection facilities will be available in Ontario even though the Ontario Provincial Police has said they won’t directly participate in the program. He says other police have already signed on though he did not say which ones. During the spring federal election, the Liberals promised to implement
police-investigating-another-prowler-incident
BCSep 17, 2025

Police investigating another prowler incident

The Nanaimo RCMP continues to investigate several reports of a prowler in residential neighbourhoods throughout central and south Nanaimo. In the early morning hours of September 16, 2025, a resident returned home to find an unknown male standing on the patio of their ground floor apartment looking into the windows. The male fled prior to police arrival and was not located. “These incidents continue to be priority files as they are causing concern in our community,” said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. Patrol officers have increased their presence in the affected areas and inve
ontario-premier-urges-carney-to-maintain-tariff-on-chinese-evs-despite-canola-levy
CanadaSep 17, 2025

Ontario premier urges Carney to maintain tariff on Chinese EVs despite canola levy

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to maintain Canada's 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles, saying the measure is critical to securing a trade deal with the U.S. and protecting Canada's auto sector. Carney met with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe yesterday to talk about China's canola tariffs, which are largely seen as a retaliatory measure triggered by the electric vehicle tariff. China charges a 76 per cent tariff on Canadian canola seed imports and a 100 per cent tariff on canola oil, meal and peas. Ford's open letter to the prime minister, relea
police-investigating-homicide-on-spruce-street
BCSep 17, 2025

Police investigating homicide on Spruce Street

Prince George RCMP is currently investigating a homicide that occurred on September 16, 2025, on the 1900-block of Spruce Street. “The initial call to Frontline Police officers was received around 3:30 a.m. Investigators attended a residence on Spruce Street to find one person deceased and a second person suffering from gun shot wounds. Multiple people in the residence were detained during the investigation and were subsequently released without charge,” states Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP. Police believe this to be a targeted event with
shahbaz-sharif-may-meet-president-donald-trump-during-his-visit-to-the-us-next-week
WorldSep 17, 2025

Shahbaz Sharif may meet President Donald Trump during his visit to the US next week

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif may meet President Donald Trump during his visit to the US next week to attend the UN General Assembly session. Pakistani media outlets have quoted sources as saying that the meeting between Shahbaz Sharif and Trump is expected to take place on September 25. The meeting may take place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is also likely to attend the meeting. This possible meeting is taking place after the growing diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan in 2025. Earlier

Related News