A dirt bike rider is dead following a collision with an SUV on Highway 8 near Merritt late Tuesday afternoon, according to the Merritt RCMP.

Police say officers were called to the scene at approximately 5:31 p.m. on March 3 after receiving reports that a dirt bike had struck an SUV, throwing the rider from the bike.

First responders found the rider suffering from critical injuries and immediately began life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, the rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Highway 8 was closed for several hours as members of the BC RCMP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service examined the crash site. The road has since reopened.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Merritt RCMP are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash camera footage from the area around the time of the crash to contact police.

Anyone with information is urged to reach out to their local RCMP detachment.