Speedboat driver found guilty in 2010 Shuswap boating death

The driver of a speedboat has been found guilty on two counts of criminal negligence in connection to a fatal crash on Shuswap Lake more than five years ago. 

A speedboat driven by 53-year-old Leon Reinbrecht crashed into and killed houseboat driver Ken Brown on Canada Day in 2010.

Reinbrecht has been found guilty of one count of criminal negligence causing death in the operation of a vessel, and one count of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.

During the trial  more than 50 witnesses were called. There were also numerous adjournments for arguments about the admissibility of evidence — all contributing to what became an extremely lengthy trial.

"Five-and-a-half years, it's taken a toll," said Patti Oliver, Brown's sister, who was also on the houseboat at the time of the crash.

"You have to live with the fact that your brother has died and deal with all that. To have it in your face all the time — you have to go to court and you have to listen to it over and over again — it's not fun."

Reinbrecht's speed boat hit the bow of the houseboat being piloted by Brown so hard that it embedded itself in the larger vessel. Eight others were injured in the crash. 

Witnesses reported the speedboat was being driven erratically before the accident. Both boats had just attended a Canada Day fireworks display, and although it was suspected alcohol was a factor, police who attended the scene did not collect a breathalyzer sample from Reinbrecht.

A date for sentencing has not yet been set.