Lyngdal: Teenager Dies After Hit-and-Run – Driver Denies Negligence

A 17-year-classic boy, identified as Julian Løvsland Olstad, died Friday evening after being struck by a van in Lyngdal, Norway. Police released his name and image on Monday, in consultation with his family.

The incident occurred on Myrveien in Lyngdal, a 60 km/h zone lacking sidewalks and street lighting, according to Agder Police District. Police report that Olstad was walking along the right side of the road with a classmate when they were hit from behind by a van.

“The family is in deep sorrow. Julian leaves behind parents, siblings, and a large network of people who loved him dearly,” said Line Heimdal Oaland, the family’s legal counsel, in a statement. The family expressed their profound grief, describing Julian as “irreplaceable” and lamenting the loss of a son, brother, friend, and grandson.

A man in his 40s, the driver of the van, has been charged with negligence resulting in death, a charge under section 281 of the Norwegian penal code. His defense attorney, Eirik Glad Balchen, stated that his client maintains his innocence but expressed deep sympathy for the victim’s family. “It is important for him to say that he has the deepest compassion for the bereaved. And that he is incredibly sorry to have come into this situation. He is having a exceptionally difficult time himself,” Balchen said.

According to Balchen, the driver believes he could not have acted differently to avoid the accident and has provided a detailed explanation to the police. Further details of his statement have not been released.

Olstad was a student at KVS Lyngdal, a boarding school with approximately 400 students. The school has activated its crisis response plan and is providing support to students and staff. A memorial was held on Saturday, and on Monday, students were given a collective briefing and opportunities to discuss the tragedy.

“The event affects us strongly, our thoughts go first and foremost to the student’s family, friends and closest relatives in a very difficult time,” said school principal Ole Fladstad. He added that the school is focused on returning to a sense of normalcy while acknowledging the tragedy.

Police have conducted witness interviews and an initial interrogation of the suspect. They have also collected blood samples from the driver, seized the van for further examination, and used a drone to photograph the accident scene. Both police forensic technicians and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s accident investigation team are preparing reports. An autopsy will also be performed.

Police are planning further witness interviews this week. Ingrid Margrethe Tjaum, the police attorney handling the case, is available for media inquiries until noon on Monday.