British Columbia

Whistler cyclist's wife sues car's driver, owner, after husband killed in crash

The wife of a Whistler cyclist killed in a collision north of Pemberton, B.C. is suing the car's driver and its owner for negligence.

Claim alleges driver was impaired at time of collision

Ross Chafe, right, was killed in a head-on collision, May 31. His wife, Lizanne Bussieres, is suing the driver of the car. Kelly Blunden, left, died in the same crash. (Facebook)

The wife of a Whistler cyclist killed in a collision north of Pemberton, B.C. is suing the car's driver and its owner for negligence.

Lizanne Bussieres' claim alleges Samuel Alec was intoxicated when the car he was driving struck and killed her husband, Ross Chafe, on Highway 99,  May 31.

The crash also took the lives of cyclist Kelly Blunden, and the car's passenger, Paul Pierre Jr.. 

Bussieres claims the owner of the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier, Carmen Ned, knew Alec was impaired when he allowed him to use the vehicle, and that it was not properly maintained.

Those allegations have not yet been tested in civil court, and neither Alec nor Ned have filed statements of defence.

Alec was also charged in criminal court following the collision.

He faces three counts each of criminal negligence causing death, impaired driving causing death, and driving with a blood alcohol level above 0.08. 

He's also charged with failing to remain at the scene of the accident.