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Man killed at crosswalk remembered as talented guitarist

Jamie Scott McMillan had a lifelong passion with music. A talented guitarist, nothing gave him greater pleasure than jamming with friends.

Jamie Scott McMillan had a lifelong passion with music. A talented guitarist, nothing gave him greater pleasure than jamming with his friends.

But at the end of June, the 36-year-old’s life came to a sudden end while doing something he did nearly every day — crossing the street.

On his way home at around 5:50 p.m. on June 27, McMillan was in a marked crosswalk at Hillside Avenue and Higgins Street when he was struck by a passenger van. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died the next morning.

The B.C. Coroners Service released McMillan’s identity earlier this week. Police continue to investigate the collision.

According to an obituary posted online, McMillan was born in Prince Edward Island, but was raised and lived in Victoria from infancy. Those who knew him describe him as caring, honourable, loving and always cheerful, with an irresistible smile and infectious laugh.

“Jamie was my best friend. He was my musical soulmate and truly a brother,” wrote one man on an online tribute page. “I am filled with so many wonderful memories of times we have spent together. Playing music will never feel the same. Jokes will never be so funny.”

In the months leading up to McMillan’s death, the crosswalk had been a concern for many neighbourhood residents, who started an online petition five months ago stating the four-lane thoroughfare in a high traffic area poses a hazard to pedestrians.

Some area residents recounted having close calls using the crosswalk, and urged the city to install a high-visibility, user-activated crosswalk signal.

The city has since budgeted the necessary funds to install the signal at the crosswalk. Work is slated to be done by October.