A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a small SUV near the Fernie Transfer Station Road turnoff on Highway 3.
Emergency crews were called to the scene shortly after 12:30 p.m. local time on Friday, July 11.
Elk Valley Regional RCMP, Fernie Fire Department and BC Ambulance responded.
Police say the SUV, driven by an elderly man from Fernie, was turning onto Highway 3 when it collided with an oncoming motorcycle.
The rider was taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The SUV driver was also transported to hospital.
An RCMP traffic reconstructionist was in the area and attended the scene.
Witnesses remained on site and cooperated with the investigation.
Highway 3 was closed for approximately five hours, with traffic rerouted along Dickens Road.
Crews from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Mainroad East Kootenay and Fernie Fire assisted with traffic control.
RCMP say traffic congestion was further impacted by a second motorcycle crash later that afternoon in the rock cuts near Elko, also along Highway 3.
No details on injuries from that incident have been released.
Elk Valley Regional RCMP are continuing to investigate and ask anyone with dash cam footage or information to contact them at 250-425-6233.
Update: The motorcyclist has been identified as Derek James Ross, born February 29, 1992.
Ross was the father of three children, ages 8, 7, and 3.
A GoFundMe has been launched to support his family and help cover funeral expenses.
Donations can be made online, or by contacting the organizer, Amanda Hutchinson, via Facebook.
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