Driver in crash that killed Whistler cyclists had suspended licence for drunk driving
2 cyclists and 1 passenger in vehicle killed in Sunday crash north of Pemberton, B.C., on Sunday
The driver of the car that struck two Whistler cyclists, killing them and his passenger on Sunday north of Pemberton, B.C., had a suspended licence at the time of the crash and a history of impaired driving convictions.
Court documents show the 43-year old Lillooet, B.C., man has a lengthy criminal record and has been convicted of impaired driving at least three times, most recently in October 2014.
The licence suspension from that conviction was still in effect at the time of the crash.
Police have said they suspect the driver in the crash was impaired. CBC News is not naming him because he has not been charged.
The crash killed cyclists Ross Chafe, 50, and Kelly Blunden, 53, as well as the vehicle's passenger, 52-year old Paul Pierre Jr.
The cyclists were riding down a steep, winding hill on the Duffy Lake Road section of Highway 99 when the driver allegedly crossed the centre line and hit them head-on.
History of impaired driving
The driver has a history of previous convictions for impaired driving and driving when his licence was suspended.
- February 2007: Arrested for impaired driving in Fort St. John and convicted later that year. Sentenced in 2008 to a one-year driving prohibition.
- December 2008: Arrested for driving with a suspended licence in Lillooet. Sentenced in 2010 to 30 days in jail and a three-year driving prohibition.
- October 2009: Arrested for impaired driving in Lillooet. Sentenced in 2010 to 60 days in jail and a three-year driving prohibition.
- April 2011: Arrested for operating a motor vehicle while disqualified in Lillooet. Sentenced later that year to 45 days in jail and a three-year driving prohibition.
- March 2014: Arrested for driving with a blood alcohol level over .08, and operating a motor vehicle while disqualified. Sentenced in October 2014 to 144 days in jail and a three-year driving prohibition on the first count, and 120 days in jail on the second count.
The driver was also seriously injured in Sunday's crash and airlifted to hospital in Vancouver accompanied by police.
CBC News attempted to speak to several family members of the driver on Tuesday. None agreed to an interview, but one did tell reporter Megan Batchelor he was still in hospital in Vancouver and now able to walk.
Police are still investigating and have said charges of impaired driving causing death are being considered against the driver.
With files from Chris Corday and Megan Batchelor