Kamloops Man Fined $1.8K, Banned 15 Months for Fatal Crash

Colval Shaquille Abbinett, a 30-year-old driver, has been fined $1,800 and banned from driving for 15 months due to a tragic accident that occurred near Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, British Columbia. The incident, which took place on November 29, 2023, resulted in the death of Owyn McInnis, a 22-year-old volleyball player at TRU, and left several others seriously injured.

Details of the Crash

Abbinett was driving a Dodge Ram when he collided with a Volkswagen Jetta. The impact led to a multi-vehicle pileup involving multiple cars and injuries to several individuals. Two of McInnis’s volleyball teammates were among those seriously injured, along with seven other people involved in the incident.

Circumstances and Sentencing

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Abbinett may have fallen asleep or lost consciousness while driving. Witnesses noted erratic driving behaviors and observed him slumped over the steering wheel moments before the collision. Abbinett entered a guilty plea for driving without due care and attention, a charge under B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act.

The sentencing hearing included emotional victim impact statements, with McInnis’s fiancée sharing their dreams for the future, now lost. One teammate reported spending nearly five months in a coma and continues to cope with a brain injury that affects his independence.

Legal Implications

The Crown and defense agreed that jail time was unwarranted since Abbinett did not intentionally cause the crash. Jessica Patterson, the regional Crown counsel, emphasized the challenges in pursuing severe charges due to the nature of the incident. In Canadian criminal law, individuals are not penalized for involuntary actions, making it difficult to prove culpability for a deliberate act.

Community Reactions

• Chris Brinnen, father of one of the injured victims, expressed disappointment over the leniency of the sentence.
• He acknowledged the informative nature of the proceedings but felt the punishment did not reflect the crash’s impact on their lives.
• Brinnen highlighted the importance of focusing on his son’s recovery rather than the legal aftermath.

This case has sparked discussions on road safety and the responsibilities of drivers, urging the community to reflect on the tragic consequences of negligent driving and the importance of accountability.