2 foreign exchange students from Mexico die after being hit by SUV

The two foreign exchange students from Mexico who died after being hit by an SUV in Nanaimo last Friday have both been identified.

The BC Coroners Service says Maria Hildebrandt Cereija, 15, and Humberto Alonso Robles, 16, were living temporarily in Nanaimo as part of an exchange program from Mexico City. 

Nanaimo RCMP had previously described Alonso Robles as 17 years old.

• RCMP say 2 students hit crossing busy highway, Nanaimo driver distraught

• Nanaimo teen dies after being struck by a truck while jaywalking

Police say the teens, along with two others, were crossing the Island Highway at Mostar Road on Oct. 21 around 10:30 p.m. PT.

Police said details from the initial investigation suggested the teens were running or walking across the highway against a red light when they were hit. 

The driver, a 56-year-old man, stayed and cooperated with police. Officers said drugs and alcohol were not factors in the crash but roads were wet and slippery.

Following the accident, both teens were immediately taken to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

Hildebrandt Cereija was later transferred to Victoria General Hospital. Alonso Robles was taken to B.C. Children's Hospital.

Both died of their injuries three days later.