21.05°C Vancouver

Dec 27, 2024 6:01 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. man faces six impaired driving charges over crash that killed Good Samaritan, 80

Share On
b-c-man-faces-six-impaired-driving-charges-over-crash-that-killed-good-samaritan-80
The 80-year-old man from Red Deer, Alta., had stopped to help a woman whose minivan hit a power pole on Highway 19A around 2:30 a.m. on March 2.(The Canadian Press)

Mounties in British Columbia have approved six impaired driving charges against a 29-year-old man over a crash that killed an elderly Good Samaritan near Qualicum Beach earlier this year.

The 80-year-old man from Red Deer, Alta., had stopped to help a woman whose minivan hit a power pole on Highway 19A around 2:30 a.m. on March 2.

The 36-year-old woman driver was seriously injured and the passerby killed when a third vehicle, driven by a man from Coombs, B.C., crashed into them.

BC Highway Patrol says its investigation has led to six charges including dangerous driving causing death and operating a motor vehicle causing death while impaired by alcohol and cocaine.

Cpl. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol says in a news release that there have been "repeated incidents" of people getting hurt or killed while trying to help after a collision.

He says that while the police service "applauds the sentiment of anyone trying to help after a collision," highways are dangerous places and "extreme caution" needs to be exercised.

"BC Highway Patrol will do everything we can to investigate and charge people who choose to drive while impaired by alcohol and drugs," he adds.

The patrol says people should consider whether they have reflective clothing, good footwear and are physically able to help before they stop.

The statement says the best option is often to call 911 or wait for a professional, noting that people involved in minor crashes may be safer waiting for authorities in their car.

But it says that if people have exited their vehicles, the best course of action is to move away from traffic.

In June, a 70-year-old man was killed when he got out of his vehicle to help after a school bus went off Highway 97 near Lac La Hache in the B.C. Interior.

Police said the man was struck by an SUV whose driver could not see around a bend in the highway, and no criminality was involved.

Latest news

canada-wins-bronze-at-womens-3x3-basketball-world-cup
CanadaJun 30, 2025

Canada wins bronze at women's 3x3 basketball World Cup

Canada's women's team has won the bronze medal in the FIBA ​​3X3 Basketball World Cup. The Canadian team defeated Poland 21-9 in the bronze medal match at the World Cup played in Mongolia. Paige Crozon was a key contributor to the Canadian team's victory, scoring 13 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Saicha Grant Allen scored 5 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in the match. The 6th ranked Canadian team lost 15-21 to the Netherlands in the semi-final match yesterday. The Netherlands team managed to win the gold medal in this World Cup. Host Mongolia finished second in this tournament.
income-tax-cut-for-middle-class-to-take-effect-tomorrow-mark-carney
CanadaJun 30, 2025

Income tax cut for middle class to take effect tomorrow: Mark Carney

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced that income tax cuts for the middle class will take effect tomorrow. The government has reduced the lowest personal income tax rate from 15 to 14 per cent. According to the Carney government's estimates, 22 million Canadians will benefit from this. PM Carney had promised this during the election campaign and said after the election that this cut would be implemented from Canada Day. This tax cut will apply to the two lowest tax brackets, the first whose taxable income in 2025 is up to $114,750 and the second whose income will be up to $57,375 in the
attorney-generals-statement-on-inquiry-into-event-safety
BCJun 30, 2025

Attorney general’s statement on inquiry into event safety

Niki Sharma, Attorney General, has released the following statement about the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety in B.C. “On Saturday, April 26, 2025, British Columbia experienced one of the worst moments in our history, when a senseless act of violence turned a Lapu-Lapu Day celebration into a tragedy that left 11 people dead and countless more injured and traumatized. “In the aftermath, British Columbians understandably raised questions about enhancing public safety so people can feel safe attending and celebrating community events of all sizes this summer. That is why Pr
canada-sprint-canoeist-katie-vincent-sets-world-record-at-national-trials
CanadaJun 30, 2025

Canada: Sprint canoeist Katie Vincent sets world record at national trials

Canadian sprint canoeist Katie Vincent has set a world record in the C-1 500-meter event. Katie Vincent set the world record during the National Trials in Montreal on Sunday. 29-year-old Olympic champion Katie Vincent set a new record by completing the event in 2 minutes 0.609 seconds. The previous world record was held by Alena Nazdarova of Belarus, who set the record at the World Championships in Hungary in 2019 with a time of 2 minutes 0.73 seconds. Quebec's Sophia Jensen, a World Cup silver medalist, took second place in yesterday's trials.
man-arrested-in-connection-with-slashing
CanadaJun 30, 2025

Man arrested in connection with slashing

A man has been arrested and White Rock RCMP are investigating after reports another man was stabbed. White Rock RCMP received 9-1-1 calls advising of a fight involving a knife in the 1100 block of Oxford Street on Sunday June 29, 2025 at 9:50 p.m. Upon arrival, police observed a vehicle attempting to leave the scene and a high-risk traffic stop was initiated. A man matching the suspect description was inside the vehicle and he was arrested and transported to White Rock RCMP cells. “We want to thank the 9-1-1 callers who gave timely information which enabled us to locate and arrest the susp

Related News