Max Poley, 24, Tragically Dies Following Collision on Vancouver Island
Max Poley, a 24-year-old student at North Island College in Courtenay, British Columbia, tragically passed away on September 16, 2025, following a fatal collision.
The incident occurred as Max was walking home from his evening job at the campus cafeteria. Authorities report that he was struck by a cyclist while walking along a narrow section of Ryan Road, which has been identified as particularly dangerous due to its limited width.
Emergency medical services arrived on the scene at approximately 8:49 p.m., swiftly transporting Max to a hospital in Victoria. Despite initial signs of recovery in intensive care, Max later succumbed to a fatal brain hemorrhage.
Carissa Wilson, the executive director of the North Island Students' Union, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Max as "a very kind and approachable young man." Wilson also highlighted the limited road conditions and speculated that the cyclist may have been on a sidewalk at the time of the incident.
Max was a dedicated student, pursuing a degree in office administration and taking online university courses. He had dreams of relocating to Vancouver or Victoria in the future and was known for his innovative approach to personal organization. He had developed a system of color-coded spreadsheets to track his reading habits, an effort that reflected his meticulous nature.
The local community, fellow students, and faculty have all shared heartfelt tributes to Max, remembering him for his compassion and willingness to engage with others. A fundraising initiative has been set up by Carissa Wilson to support Max’s mother, who traveled from the Comox Valley to Victoria during this difficult time.
Max’s organs have been made available for donation, potentially saving the lives of up to seven individuals.
Details regarding memorial services will be announced at a later time.