Accused in fatal Trinity Bay crash pleads guilty to impaired driving causing death

A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to impaired driving causing the death of an 83-year-old woman on a highway near Thornlea back in July 2016. 

Jane Newhook, 83, lived in nearby Norman's Cove-Long Cove and was travelling to Thornlea for supper with family and friends when her car collided with another vehicle. She died at the scene. 

• Highway deaths met with shock, sadness and anger in Trinity Bay

George Whalen, 67, was charged with impaired driving causing death, driving while prohibited and leaving the scene of an accident in connection with her death. 

Whalen's case is due back in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John's on April 17.