The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of one of two teenagers who have died following a motor vehicle incident in Nanaimo on Oct. 21, 2016.

She was Maria Hildebrandt Cereija, aged 15, a resident of Mexico City who was living temporarily in Nanaimo as an exchange student.  

Ms. Hildebrandt Cereija and a companion were crossing the Island Highway eastbound at Mostar Road in Nanaimo about 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2016 when they were struck by an SUV. She was immediately transported to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and then transferred to Victoria General Hospital for further treatment. However, she died in hospital on the afternoon of Oct. 24, 2016.

Her companion, also an exchange student from Mexico, was transferred to BC Children’s Hospital for further treatment, but succumbed to his injuries there on Oct. 24, 2016. His identity will not be made public until all family members have been notified.   

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.