17-year-old killed in car crash identified as 'gifted' soccer player

The 17-year-old who died following a car crash in Surrey, B.C., earlier this week has been identified as a "gifted" athlete who was admired by his teammates.

Travis Selje was on his way home from soccer practice when the crash happened around 9 p.m. PT on Wednesday.

Surrey RCMP said a woman driving a black Cadillac collided with a vehicle near 64 Avenue and 168 Street around 9 p.m. and failed to stop at the scene of the accident.

The 22-year-old driver then hit a Honda Prelude near 64 Avenue and 176 Street. Two 17-year-olds — including Selje — were in that vehicle.

Selje died on Friday from injuries sustained in the crash.

'A gifted player'

The 17-year-old was a longtime member of the Surrey United Soccer Club.

Spiro Pergios, vice president of the organization, said other players admired him.

"Travis was the team captain, he was definitely the leader in the group," Pergios said.

"He was absolutely a gifted player ... a player that the whole team basically looked up to. He'll obviously be sorely missed."

On Saturday, moments of silence were held at U18 soccer games around the province.

Selje was selected to play for the Vancouver Whitecaps FB pre-residency program in 2015, returning to the Surrey club after one year.

Pergios said Selje and a teammate were headed home from practice in Cloverdale, B.C., when the crash happened.

The VP said other players and coaches saw the collision as they were leaving themselves, later realizing that it was their teammate's car.

The driver of the Cadillac was arrested at the scene of the second collision but has since been released from custody.

An RCMP officer at the scene said alcohol and drugs are being considered as factors in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.