B.C. widow launches lawsuit over crash that claimed life of cycling husband

VANCOUVER – The wife of a cyclist who died in an accident north of Whistler, B.C., is suing the driver of the vehicle and its owner for negligence.

Ross Chafe was cycling on Highway 99 about 50 kilometres north of Whistler when he was struck and killed by a car on May 31.

The collision also claimed the lives of fellow cyclist Kelly Blunden and Paul Pierre Jr., who was the front-seat passenger in the 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier.

In a statement of claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court, Chafe’s spouse Lizanne Bussieres alleges Samuel Alec was negligent and drove the car while intoxicated or impaired.

She also alleges the vehicle’s owner Carmen Ned knew Alec was impaired and allowed him to use the car, which was not properly maintained.

The allegations have yet to be tested in court, and neither Alec nor Ned have filed statements of defence.

The statement of claim says Bussieres filed the action under the Family Compensation Act for the benefit of herself and Chafe’s three children who are 17, 15 and 11 years old.

Bussieres says she and her children are seeking relief for the loss of guidance, support, household assistance and inheritance.

She is also seeking special damages for funeral and memorial services.

RCMP announced in August that Alec was charged with a number of offences, including impaired driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death and failing to remain at an accident scene.