Abbotsford boy dies from longboard crash without helmet

An 11-year-old boy who died from a longboarding accident in Abbotsford, B.C., likely would have survived if he was wearing a helmet, according to police.

Const. Ian MacDonald says the boy was riding with a friend down Devon Avenue on Saturday evening when he lost control of his skateboard and crashed into the road, injuring his head.

"They didn't come in contact with vehicles. They didn't come in contact with even bicycles in the bike lane in which they were riding on their skateboards. This is simply a situation where the young man lost control," said MacDonald.

The boy was taken to hospital, but later died from his injuries on Monday.

MacDonald said the child's family is trying to deal with the sudden loss and hopes others will learn from this accident and wear a helmet while skateboarding.

"I know it is a little bit speculative but I think that it is an informed opinion that had he been wearing his helmet, he likely would have suffered some road rash, but he certainly would have survived the crash from his longboard," said MacDonald.