Charges to be pursued in crash that killed Kamloops volleyball player, injured 2 others

The BC Prosecution Services has found evidence that supports pursuing charges under the Motor Vehicle Act against a driver involved in a crash that killed one Thompson Rivers University student and seriously injured two others.

On Nov. 29, 2023, the Kamloops RCMP were notified about a crash near the TRU campus between multiple vehicles.

Further investigation found a Dodge ram truck hit a Volkswagen.

Three male students were taken to the hospital and one of them later died.

About a month later, Owyn McInnis was identified as the student killed in the crash.

Two of his teammates who were also in the vehicle at the time, Kelowna products Owen Waterhouse and Riley Brinnen, were critically injured in the crash.

During the initial investigation, the truck driver was found not to be impaired by drugs or alcohol, say the Kamloops RCMP.

In addition to the Kamloops RCMP’s findings, evidence from the Southeast District Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service was included in a charge recommendation package.

The BC Prosecution Service reviewed the report and concluded that evidence supports a change of driving without due care and attention.

“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,” said Supt. Jeff Pelley.

“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.”

No additional comment will be made by the Kamloops RCMP as the matter is now before the courts.