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Charges recommended in deadly Squamish crash

Criminal negligence alleged as investigation continues

Police are still investigating the accident that caused the death of a 31-year-old Brackendale resident Oct. 5, but all eyes are on a 26-year-old Richmond man.

The driver of a 2002 Audi allegedly hit Sarah McSeveny head-on while attempting to pass a tour bus on Highway 99, just north of Cleveland Avenue in Squamish. The Audi driver reportedly lost control and swerved into the 2003 Pontiac driven by McSeveney. McSeveny was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Squamish RCMP are recommending the driver of the Audi be charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death. The man can’t be identified until the Crown brings up formal charges. That will happen once the RCMP traffic investigators have completed their report on the incident.

However, the RCMP believe erratic driving, excessive speed and poor weather conditions contributed to the accident.

Sarah McSeveney was a well-liked and highly regarded teacher at the Whistler Children’s Centre and Spring Creek Children’s Centre. She was a university graduate, avid environmentalist, animal lover and outdoor sports enthusiast. She is survived by her parents, William and Jane McSeveney, her sister Jessica Erin, and her grandmothers Rita Verdon and Thomasina McSeveney.

A service was held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Squamish Funeral Chapel.

One death in logging truck accidents

In addition to lethal road accidents, last week was marked by two incidents involving logging trucks, including one fatality.

The first accident occurred on Oct. 5 at the top of Furry Creek Hill on Highway 99. The truck was reportedly turning onto the highway when it rolled over.

The highway was closed to one way alternating traffic for approximately two hours as the vehicle and the logs were removed.

The fatal accident occurred in the Elaho Valley on Oct. 7 when a logging truck went off of the road and down a steep embankment. The victim was identified as Brian Anthony Coldwell of Kamloops, B.C.

Both incidents are under investigation.