Calgary police say a man rushed to hospital on Sunday night after falling from a moving limousine in the downtown core has died.
Police were called around 7:30 p.m. to the 1200 block of 11 Avenue S.W., for reports of a man suffering serious injuries.
Investigators believe the man was a passenger in a limousine and had gotten out of the vehicle. Police told Global News the man was taking part in a social gathering and other people were also in the limo.
Shortly after exiting the vehicle, police said the man reportedly attempted to stand on the running board and hold onto the outside of the vehicle while it was in motion.
The limousine drove a short distance down 11 Avenue S.W., before the man fell off near the intersection with 12 Street S.W.
EMS responded and took the man to hospital in life-threatening condition.
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Calgary police said this kind of incident is “preventable, because passengers should always remain in their seats while a vehicle is moving; including in a limo.”
The road was closed for several hours while the Calgary police traffic reconstruction unit investigated.
Investigators are looking into whether drugs or alcohol were factors for the victim.
Speed, alcohol or drugs on the part of the limousine driver were not believed to have been a factor.
Global News spoke with the limousine company involved, Cascade Limousine Service. Owner Sam Cardwell told Global News Tuesday that the driver did not know the victim was on the running board and had “no control over the situation.”
Cardwell said the driver is also upset about the whole incident.
Members of Calgary’s limousine industry are shaken after learning the man succumbed to his injuries.
Paramount Limousine’s Pearl Palko said she used to work for Cascade and knows the driver involved.
“The only thing I’ve received is support from other limo companies. We’re a tight-knit group even though we’re competitors,” she said.
Palko said there are safety features on limousines, like child locks and notifications if someone gets out of the vehicle, but added that driving a limo can be a stressful job.
“You’re always on, you have to be nice to the people but you also have to be firm. You have to let them know where you draw the line. Safety is always paramount,” Palko said.
Calgary Police Service officers continue to investigate the incident.
Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234.