A tragic single-vehicle crash on Vancouver Island has claimed the life of Mike Hammond, a prominent player on Great Britain’s national hockey team. The collision occurred early Wednesday morning near Baden Powell Road, with the Shawnigan Lake RCMP investigating the incident.
The evidence collected at the scene suggests that Hammond, 33 years old and from Langford, was driving a black Porsche Boxster when the vehicle veered off the road and collided with a tree, resulting in his untimely death.
The news of Hammond’s passing deeply saddened the ice hockey community in the United Kingdom. Ice Hockey UK, the national governing body for the sport, released a statement expressing their devastation over the loss of a cherished teammate. Hammond had been an integral part of the Great Britain family, making his debut with the national team in 2018 and contributing significantly to their success in Division 1 – Group A at the International Ice Hockey Federation world championships, where they secured a gold medal.
At this year’s World Championship Division 1 Group in Nottingham in May, Hammond’s skill and determination helped Great Britain secure a promotion back to the top tier. Additionally, he had played for the Nottingham Panthers in the U.K.’s Elite Ice Hockey League during the last season, and the team also paid tribute to him, offering their condolences to his loved ones.
The police and the B.C. Coroners Service are actively investigating the cause of the collision and Hammond’s tragic death. Any individuals with relevant information are urged to contact the Shawnigan Lake RCMP at 250-743-5514 as the authorities continue their inquiry into the incident. The loss of Mike Hammond has left a void in the hearts of those who knew and admired him, and the hockey community mourns the passing of this talented athlete.