British Columbia

Samuel Alec charged in fatal cyclist crash in Pemberton

A man has been charged in a crash that killed two cyclists and the passenger of the suspect's vehicle near Pemberton, B.C., in late May.

Driver charged with impaired driving, criminal negligence causing death

Whistler cyclists Kelly Blunden, left, and Ross Chafe, right, were struck and killed north of Pemberton in May. (Facebook)

A man has been charged in a crash that killed two cyclists and the passenger of the suspect's vehicle near Pemberton, B.C., in late May. 

Cyclists Ross Chafe, 50, and Kelly Blunden, 53, 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.

Police say they arrested Samuel Alec Friday and charged him with three counts each of:

  • Criminal negligence causing death
  • Impaired driving causing death
  • Driving with a blood alcohol level over 0.08 

He has also been charged with failing to remain at the scene of the accident. 

RCMP said that several resources were dedicated to the investigation, including the Stl'atl'imx Tribal Police Service, Lower Mainland Traffic Services and the B.C. Coroners Service. 

"This was a very challenging and complex investigation that utilized numerous resources from several specialized and integrated support programs which culminated in the arrest of the accused," said Insp. Michael Labossiere with Lower Mainland Traffic Services in a written statement.