A drunk driver and a speeding motorcycle combined this weekend to claim the life of a former Penticton resident.
Tyler Edwards, 34, was killed Sunday night when his bike was hit by a drunk driver behind the wheel of a Jeep turning at an intersection in Nanaimo.
“Alcohol was certainly a factor with the driver of the Jeep, and speed was also a factor on behalf of the motorcyclist,” said Const. Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
He said the impact caused the driver of the white 2007 Yahama motorcycle to be thrown quite a distance off his bike. Edwards suffered critical injuries and died at the scene before arrival at the hospital.
“The driver of the Jeep was a 61-year-old from Nanaimo who was impaired,” said O’Brien. “He was issued an immediate roadside prohibition for 90 days.”
The driver's name has not been released.
“It is still early in the investigation and there has not been a determination if more significant charges will be laid,” said O’Brien.
“We are still pulling together reports and once that is complete we will consult with the Crown to see if more charges are warranted.”
The RCMP officer said the family of the deceased has been advised and that a service would be held in Penticton.
Edwards lived much of his life and attended school in Penticton.