Tragic Accident Claims Life of Young Man in Highway Crash Near Merritt
A tragic incident unfolded on Highway 5 near Merritt as a 24-year-old man from Surrey lost his life in a crash, according to the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP).
The BCHP reported that multiple calls came in around 8:30 a.m. alerting them to a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes. Before authorities could intercept the vehicle, news of a devastating head-on collision just south of the Helmer exit reached them.
Upon reaching the scene, officers discovered a black Toyota Tacoma and a white Toyota RAV4, both severely damaged. A striking image from the scene revealed the Tacoma overturned and the RAV4 partially resting on the concrete median barrier.
Tragically, the young man from Surrey, a passenger in the RAV4, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Three other individuals, all males from Surrey ranging between 24 and 38 years old, were also in the vehicle and have been hospitalized with serious injuries.
The driver of the Tacoma, a 22-year-old man from Coldwater, who was the sole occupant, has been arrested on suspicion of impaired driving. Despite sustaining minor injuries, he is now in police custody.
Sgt. Michael McLaughlin urged the public to come forward with any information or video footage that could aid in the investigation. Witnesses reported sightings of the black Toyota Tacoma entering Highway 5 near Lac Le Jeune, prompting authorities to seek further details on the driver’s actions leading up to the crash.
For anyone with information relevant to the incident, please contact BCHP – Kamloops at 250-828-3111, referencing file (2100) 2026-2997.
