B.C.’s soccer community is mourning the death of a former Vancouver Whitecaps youth soccer club player who died in a multi-vehicle crash in Surrey.
Seventeen-year-old Travis Selje died in hospital Friday after he was critically injured in the crash Wednesday night.
Police said at 9 p.m., they received a report of a serious crash on 64 Avenue, just west of the intersection with Highway 15. They were told a black Cadillac had been involved in a crash but did not stop. The Cadillac allegedly continued east on 64 Ave. and then struck the rear of a grey Honda Prelude.
WATCH: Police investigate Surrey crash
Emergency crews had to remove the roof of the Prelude to rescue everyone inside.
Three people from that car were sent to hospital, including Selje, who later succumbed to his injuries.
Following news of Selje’s death, a makeshift memorial was set up at the site of the crash.
Selje was a member of the Surrey United Soccer Club and also played for the Whitecaps’ residency program.
On Sunday, Selje’s teammates gathered at the Cloverdale field where the team practices. Although their weekend games were cancelled, the players say they wanted to stick together to grieve and remember the star player.
“He always had a smile on his face and wanted the best from his teammates,” says fellow U17 player Sahib Sidhu.
“He was very skilled, and also very brave at the same time. I never saw him lose a tackle on the field. He was our rock at the back,” added teammate Tyler Dhillon.
Selje’s teammates say he aspired to play soccer professionally in Germany. His coach, Srdjan Djekanovic, says Selje had a bright future ahead.
“Every single university in Canada would have wanted him. He was an amazing soccer player, a great leader, and he was able to bond the whole team together.”
The Surrey United U17 players hope to bring home a national title later this year, and say they will play in Selje’s honour.
“He’s going to be watching over us. Everything on the field from this day forward is for him, and we’re going to make that kid proud,” says U17 player Joben Mander.
A statement on the Whitecaps’ website said, “Travis was a much-loved former residency player, teammate, and friend of many at the club and throughout the B.C. soccer community.”
A 22-year-old woman was arrested and released but could face multiple charges. Police say both speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash.
An investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502.
— With files from Amy Judd