Man charged for vehicle collision that killed 13-year-old Coquitlam girl

Almost one year after a vehicle struck and killed a 13-year-old in Coquitlam, a single charge under the Motor Vehicle Act has been approved against one of the drivers involved in the crash.

On March 25, 2019, at approximately 3 pm, a black 2012 BMW 328 collided with a black 2010 Dodge Charger at the intersection of Mariner Way and Riverview Crescent in Coquitlam.

After the collision, the BMW spun into a group of pedestrians waiting at the crosswalk, and two of the pedestrians, a 13-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy, were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The girl passed away shortly after.

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Now, police have announced that the driver of the BMW, a 27-year-old Coquitlam man, is facing one charge of Driving Without Due Care and Attention.

“It’s the job of the police to do a thorough and impartial investigation,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “This investigation included appeals for witnesses, video review, collecting and reviewing technical data, and a subsequent collision-reconstruction where we shut down the road. Police forwarded the results to the BC Prosecution Service for review, and ultimately this single charge was approved.”

McLaughlin added that no further charges are expected to be laid.