The suspected driver of a pickup truck involved in a crash on Vancouver Island that killed an RCMP officer has been released without charge, although the investigation is ongoing.

Const. Sarah Beckett, 32, of the West Shore RCMP detachment died while patrolling in her police car early Tuesday morning in Langford, B.C. She leaves behind a husband, mother, sister and two young children.

RCMP Cpl. Janelle Shoihet said Wednesday that the investigation into the crash is “active and ongoing” with police “continuing to gather evidence with respect to the criminal investigation.”

“As with any criminal fatal crash investigation, investigators will take the time necessary to gather all information and evidence and consult with Crown Counsel with respect to applicable charges,” Shoihet said.

A GoFundMe page set up to raise money for Beckett's family has received more than $50,000 in donations from more than 900 donors so far.

Chief Supt. Ray Bernoties said in a news conference Tuesday that Beckett was travelling in a marked police car when the two-vehicle collision occurred around 3:30 a.m. Paramedics tried to revive her, but she was later pronounced dead.

“Today is a tragic and difficult day,” Bernoties said. “We lost one of their own.”

He said speaking with colleagues on Tuesday morning, it became clear that Beckett was a “very popular” member of the RCMP. “There are tough days ahead.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose and B.C. Premier Christy Clark offered their condolences, on Twitter.

 

 

 

Sad news here on Vancouver Island. My thoughts and prayers are with RCMP Constable Sarah Beckett's family, friends, and fellow officers.

— Rona Ambrose (@RonaAmbrose) April 6, 2016