NORTH Vancouver RCMP are pleading for witnesses to come forward and help close off an investigation after a young man was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing the street Feb. 9.

Alexander "A.J." Ferguson, a 22-year-old Squamish Nation member, was crossing Forbes Avenue at First Street around 6: 15 p.m. when he was hit by a driver headed northbound on Forbes. Paramedics rushed Ferguson to Lions Gate Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

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"As far as the investigation into the collision goes, we do not believe alcohol is a factor on the driver's part. Distracted driving and speed are still under investigation as possible contributing factors to the collision," said Cpl. Doug Trousdell, spokesman for the North Vancouver RCMP. "We're interested in witnesses. We believe there are people who actually would have seen the collision, but we're looking for those people to come forward."

Investigators say the dark clothes Ferguson was wearing at the time may have been a factor.

There are no records of other pedestrians being hit at that intersection, Trousdell said, however it is an unmarked crossing and vehicles tend to drive fast coming up Forbes.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Const. Jana Jardine at 604-2904558.

brichter@nsnews.com