Owyn McInnis with his mom, Erin Walter (image credit - Erin Walter/Instagram)

By Victor Kaisar

Charges Laid in McGill Road Crash

Driver in fatal 2023 WolfPack crash charged under Motor Vehicle Act

Nov 25, 2024 | 4:26 PM

KAMLOOPS — (UPDATE 5:30 p.m.): RCMP say the driver that caused the crash that killed TRU WolfPack volleyball athlete Owyn McInnis has been charged under the Motor Vehicle Act.

In a news release Monday (Nov. 25), Kamloops RCMP say the charges were laid by the BC Prosecution Service after an “in-depth and complete investigation” into the crash on Nov. 29, 2023 that injured two other WolfPack athletes — Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse.

While the RCMP did not release a name, a BC Prosecution Service spokesperson told CFJC Today that Colval Abbinett has been charged with one count of driving without due care and attention and one count of driving without reasonable consideration for others using the highway.

Under Section 144 of the Motor Vehicle Act, the first charge typically comes with a fine of $368, while the second charge comes with a fine of $196. Both charges also come with six demerit points on a driver’s license.

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Abbinett is not in custody, and is scheduled to make a first appearance in court on Dec. 23.

According to the RCMP, the three WolfPack athletes, who were all in their 20s, were in a Volkswagen which was stopped at a red light, when it was hit by a pickup truck which had lost control in the area of McGill Road and University Drive, near the TRU East Gate.

RCMP said Monday the driver of the truck was not impaired by drugs or alcohol and remained at the scene of the crash. Mounties say “all available evidence” was pursued and sent to the Prosecution Service for their approval.

“We understand that many people have been impacted by this tragedy, and our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and those in the community who have been affected,” Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said, in a statement.

“It’s important for me to acknowledge the significant work of our investigators, the witnesses, community partners, and the families involved who allowed us to establish the facts and circumstances that resulted in such tragic loss.”

“We remain committed to supporting the families impacted as we advance forward,” Pelley added.

Police say they will have no further comment as the matter is now before the courts.