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By Michael Reeve

TRU Volleyball Crash

Driver in crash that killed TRU volleyball player still without lawyer as sentencing approaches

Sep 18, 2025 | 4:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — Colval Abbinett was back in a Kamloops courtroom Thursday (Sept. 18) morning, appearing virtually before the judge.

Abbinett has already pleaded guilty to one count of driving without due care and attention during a court date in June, but the path towards a sentencing date has been postponed multiple times. Abbinett was the driver of the truck involved in the collision that killed one member of the TRU volleyball team and left two others with life-changing injuries.

Abbinett told the courts on Thursday he has still be unable to secure a lawyer to represent him in the case, previously noting challenges with the high-profile nature of the proceedings. Abbinett also stated he no longer wishes to undergo a pre-sentence report. That motion was agreed to by the Crown.

Crown and Abbinett will be coming together in two weeks to fix a date for sentencing. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for a full day.

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Abbinett stated, despite his challenges, he still plans to have a lawyer in place for his sentencing hearing.