One man is dead and another injured as a result of a collision on Highway 99 early Sunday morning, Aug. 8.
According to the Squamish RCMP, at approximately 6:50 a.m. the driver of a northbound Subaru lost control and crossed into the southbound lane, striking a Volkswagen Golf. The accident took place on a curve in a hilly stretch of highway just south of Britannia Beach.
The driver of the Subaru, a 21-year-old male from Victoria, died as a result of his injuries. The driver of the Golf, who was identified as a 50-year-old Squamish resident, was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital with serious injuries.
The accident resulted in the temporary closure of Highway 99 for an hour and a half, and was only re-opened to single lane alternating traffic for several hours afterwards to allow for the investigation and a clean-up of the scene.
Speed and erratic driving are believed to have contributed to the collision, although the accident is still under investigation.
In January seven Squamish residents were killed in a head-on collision on Highway 99 north of Garibaldi Highlands when a southbound vehicle wandered over the centre line.
Alcohol suspected in Birken rollover
The Whistler-Pemberton RCMP detachment is investigating a single motor vehicle accident on Portage Road in Briken, near Divine. On Saturday night at approximately 7:36 p.m. the RCMP received a report of the accident, and found a blue Toyota pickup that appeared to have flipped several times before coming to a stop.
A 22-year-old male from Pemberton was driving, accompanied by a 21-year-old male from Pemberton and a 21-year-old from Surrey. All three occupants were taken to the Pemberton medical clinic, and the 21-year-old from Pemberton was then transported to Vancouver General Hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries.
The RCMP are investigating whether alcohol and speed contributed to the accident.
Cat burglar given one year sentence
Pemberton’s Carl Shewchuck, the 18-year-old cat burglar who was accused of stealing more than $20,000 from homes in Nicklaus North and Nordic Estates in July, was sentenced in provincial court Aug. 10.
He was found guilty of three counts of Break and Enter and Commit an Indictable Offence. He was sentenced to one year in jail, followed by a year of probation. In addition he will have to pay a $100 victim surcharge.
The Whistler-Pemberton RCMP would like to thank both communities for the assistance that led to the arrest and conviction of Shewchuck.
RCMP Auxiliary looking for help
The Whistler-Pemberton RCMP are looking for volunteers to participate in the local RCMP auxiliary program, assisting local police in the community. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, fluent in French or English, 19 years or older, possess a minimum Grade 12 or GED equivalent from a Canadian institution, possess a valid Class 5 driver’s licence, be of good character, and meet all RCMP physical and medical requirements.
Preference will be given to individuals who plan to remain in Whistler or Pemberton for at least two years.
Search continues for missing teen
The search continues for an 18-year-old Vancouver man who slipped and fell into the Ashlu River on Monday, Aug. 2 and was carried away by the swift moving water.
The man was hiking with his father and two friends in a canyon section when the accident happened. The man’s father immediately called 911 with his cell phone and a search began with the aid of a helicopter and the Squamish Emergency Program search and rescue team.
The main search was called off the following day, but authorities are continuing to search certain areas for the man’s remains, and will check certain areas as the river goes down.
