The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died after being struck by a rock which went through the windshield of the truck he was driving.

He was Gregory Thomas Howlett, aged 52, of Duncan.

Mr. Howlett was driving his pickup truck westbound on Highway 18 from Duncan to Lake Cowichan on the morning of Nov. 7, 2012. About 500 metres west of the intersection with Skutz Falls Road, a large rock fell from a fully loaded logging truck, which was travelling eastbound. Witnesses saw the rock bounce off the roadway and shatter. One piece then ricocheted and went through the windshield of Mr. Howlett's truck. The rock, about the size of a brick, entered the passenger compartment of the pickup and struck Mr. Howlett.

A passenger in the Howlett vehicle managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. A passing driver stopped to call for help and render assistance, and Mr. Howlett was transported to Cowichan District Hospital. However, the injuries he had suffered were severe, and he died shortly afterwards.

The Coroners Service, RCMP Traffic Services, and WorkSafe BC continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Howlett has been notified of his death. On behalf of the family members, the Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

For further information, please contact:

Matt Brown
Regional Coroner, Island Region
BC Coroners Service
250 356-9133