Charges of impaired driving causing death have been laid in connection with a fatal crash earlier this year near Campbell River.
According to Campbell River RCMP, the B.C. Crown Counsel office has approved three charges against Griffin Lee Grant, 22, in connection with the March 28 early morning crash that took the life of a 21-year-old passenger in Willow Point. They include: dangerous driving causing death; impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death; and impaired operation of a vehicle causing death when two hours after the incident blood alcohol concentrations still exceeded 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood.
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According to police, the passenger was reported to have been picked up shortly before the crash.
At the time of the incident, Campbell River RCMP reported they were investigating an unrelated break-and-enter in the area nearby just before 4 a.m. Officers saw a vehicle driving at a “high rate of speed” northbound on the Island Highway in an area between Westgate and Hilchey Roads.
The vehicle lost control and collided with the centre median before hitting a tree. The passenger was ejected from the vehicle.
Officers performed first aid before the passenger was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The driver was arrested on scene.
“This incident was tragic on so many levels,” said Const. Maury Tyre. “As sad as the scenario is, it’s also a stark reminder and a chance to educate on the perils of drinking and driving and excessive speeds.
“Being the driver of a vehicle means that you are responsible for your vehicle, the well being of the passengers in it, and every other person and vehicle on the road; that’s why driving is a privilege in our society, not a right.”
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