Car was going 187 km/h before crash that killed young B.C. hockey players, coroner finds
Alcohol and speed were factors in a tragic collision that killed three junior hockey players in B.C.'s Lower Mainland last year, according to a coroner's report.
The deaths of 17-year-old Parker Magnuson, 16-year-old Caleb Reimer and 16-year-old Ronin Sharma left the hockey community reeling, drawing condolences from the NHL, the Humboldt Broncos and many others.
A coroner's investigation found Magnuson was driving the other teenagers through Surrey in a Ford Focus RS when the car crossed the centre line on 104 Avenue and crashed into a tree in the early morning hours of Aug. 21, 2021.
All three of the young friends died at the scene.
The car's onboard computer indicated it had "accelerated from 20 km/h reaching a record speed of 187 km/h seconds before impact," according to the report.
The stretch of 104 Avenue where the crash took place, between 160th Street and Fraser Glen Drive, has a posted speed limit of 50 km/h that dips to 30 km/h along a bend in the road.
The report said the Ford Focus "failed to navigate the northbound curve" before the collision, and that the weather was clear and the road was dry at the time.
Toxicology tests for Manguson found he had been drinking that night. The B.C. Coroners Service noted the teenager had no record of driving prohibitions or licence suspensions.
The three deaths were ruled as accidental, and the result of blunt force trauma.
Sharma played for the Langley Rivermen, and was described by his coach as a natural leader both on and off the ice.
Weeks after the tragedy, when the team was warming up for their season opener, every player took to the ice wearing Sharma's number, 25. The Rivermen then retired his jersey.
Reimer was signed with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 2019, and was described as one of several young breakout stars during the team’s 2020-21 Central Division Championship season.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.