Six charges have been laid against a man who allegedly caused a high-speed crash that killed a man and injured his wife on Canada Day, 2023.

The collision happened just before 11:30 p.m. on Highway 3/93 near Mayook. BC Highway Patrol investigators allege that the suspect was driving alone in an eastbound pickup truck when he crossed into oncoming traffic and caused a head-on collision with a westbound SUV.

The driver of the SUV, a 42-year-old Calgary man, was killed, while his wife received non-life-threatening injuries. Both vehicles were totalled and the pickup truck was destroyed by fire in the aftermath.

“Evidence gathered by BC Highway Patrol supports the theory that a combination of speed and alcohol was the primary cause of this catastrophic crash,” said Corporal Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol. “It is hard to imagine a sadder scenario than losing a loved one beside you in a vehicle.”

Huston Robert Seymour, a 34-year-old Cranbrook man, is facing charges including:

1. Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, section 320.13(2) of the Criminal Code (CC);
2. Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, section 320.13(3) CC;
3. Operating a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of more that 80 mg/100 mL causing bodily harm, section 320.14(2) CC;
4. Operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of more that 80 mg/100 mL causing death, section 320.14(3) CC;
5. Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs causing bodily harm, section 320.14(2);
6. Operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs causing death, section 320.14(3).

Seymour’s first court appearance is scheduled for December 2, in Cranbrook. He is considered innocent until proven otherwise in court.

“While this crash happened during the summer, we want to remind people to always drive sober and carefully,” said Cpl. McLaughlin.

“The Winter Impaired Driving Campaign is on right now and through December. We need drivers to take responsibility for their actions and get home safely.”

Photo submitted by BC Highway Patrol

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