Two Nanaimo families are in mourning after a head-on collision in Surrey left two men dead on Saturday.
Fifty-two-year-old Jovan Salapurna and 21-year-old Jarrett Swackhamer were pronounced dead on the scene after a speeding Chevy Cavalier travelling the wrong way on Highway 10 slammed into their Nissan Pathfinder.
Swackhamer's girlfriend, Mikaela, was taken to hospital with very serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Cavalier was also killed in the crash. Witnesses say the vehicle had been driving the wrong direction for several blocks prior to the crash.
Police believe speed was a factor in the collision and have not ruled out the possibility that alcohol was involved. RCMP Insp. Randall Marquardt said the Cavalier driver's blood alcohol content will be determined by autopsy.
Rade Salapurna, Jovan's father, spoke to his son just hours before the crash. He remembers the shock of receiving the devastating news.
"He was instantly dead," he said. "I couldn't believe it."
Salapurna was a father of three and a successful Nanaimo businessman who ran Island Machining and Fabricating. He had just picked up Swackhamer and his girlfriend from the Tsawwassen BC Ferries Terminal and were on their way to work a job. The two men were also close friends.
Loved ones said Salapurna was dedicated to his work and family.
"He was a long dear friend of mine -- he became my partner a year ago," said Shauna Nash. "He's a loving caring compassionate man who would do anything for anybody. He had a heart of gold."
Swackhamer's parents describe their youngest son as wise beyond his years. They said they will miss their loving son.
"He was the greatest guy I've ever met," said Jarrett's mother, Bonnie. "He was so full of life, so big. He was way beyond his years."
The two grief-stricken families are waiting for answers as police determine the cause of the crash.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Bhinder Sajan
