UPDATE: Body found on the side of the road in Nanaimo identified

(UPDATE: Jan. 27 @ 5:10 pm) - The Nanaimo RCMP has identified the body found earlier this morning on Harewood Mines Road.

While a name has not been disclosed, the individual has been positively identified as a 34-year-old Caucasian man of no fixed address.

The family has been notified by investigators, and RCMP Victim Services were offered.

Several individuals have reached out with information that may relate to this case, and police will contact them directly as the investigation continues.

Anyone with dash cam video or CCTV footage of the area prior to 7 am on Jan. 27 is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at (250) 754-2345 and reference file number 2023-3059.

(Original story: Jan. 27 @ 11:30 am) - Police are investigating after a person was found dead on the side of the road in Nanaimo this morning.

At about 7 am, the body was located on the north side of Harewood Mines Road, just south of the overpass.

A passerby who was out for an early morning walk made the initial discovery and called police. Officers attended and closed the road.

The BC Coroners Service was contacted and also attended.

The scene was closed for several hours to allow for the body and scene to be examined by several specialized units of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Investigators stated that while it is early in the investigation, the injuries of the deceased are consistent with being struck by a car.

If anyone was in the area prior to 7 am on Jan. 27, 2023, and saw an individual walking or has dash cam video, please call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345, and quote file # 2023-3059.