Highway death deemed a suicide

VERNON – Hours before a Salmon Arm man ran into traffic and was struck by a car, he told a family member he intended to end his life.

Jason Marcus Greaves, 41, died February 26 just after 11 p.m. A Coroner's report says he had a blood alcohol level of 0.28 per cent and a methadone concentration of 4.20 mg/L.

Coroner Margaret Janzen said Greaves, who had a history of drug abuse, left home upset following an argument with a family member.

"He expressed an intention to end his life, but the family member did not believe that he was serious," Janzen said.

Greaves left on foot, wearing dark clothing. It was snowing lightly as he made his way along Highway 1 near 38th Street in Salmon Arm.

Janzen said Greaves ran into traffic and collided with a Pontiac Montana minivan, crushing the driver's side and windshield. The driver stated he did not see Greaves until the last moment.

Janzen found that Greaves died of multiple blunt force trauma injuries and said alcohol and methadone were contributing factors. She made no recommendations.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca, call (250)309-5230 or tweet @charhelston.