Charges laid in crash that took the life of a Vernon nurse
VERNON – Charges have been laid in relation to an accident on 32 Street that took the life of a Vernon nurse in the early morning hours of Oct. 23, 2014.
Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk says Lori Victoria Vance will appear in court March 19 to face charges of impaired driving causing death and impaired driving causing bodily harm.
Night shift nurses Erin Rae Smith, 33, from Kelowna, and Lindsey Hauck, 31, from Vernon, left Vernon Jubilee Hospital for a routine coffee run around 1:15 a.m. that day. Their car was T-boned and Smith died at the scene. Hauck was rushed back to Vernon Jubilee with serious injuries. She was later transferred to Kelowna General Hospital.
The seriousness of the crash led RCMP to put a call out for witnesses to help with the investigation, which Molendyk said would help them build a strong case.
“We want to make sure that at the end of the day we have completed a thorough investigation to go forward, because in a case like this a young woman has lost her life and another will be affected for the rest of her days,” Molendyk said of the investigation back in January. “It isn’t just those involved, it’s also a ripple effect in the community.”
An online fundraising campaign continues to help Hauck with medical expenses.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
Join the Conversation!
Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.
9 responses
-
-
-
-
-
Verissa Hanson Victoria showed up at a Halloween party that I was at, 1 week after the accident and wasdrinking so how can you say that she hasn’t been heard from at all? No one was “just as involved” as you say. A nurse, someone who saved lives for a living was Killed. That is murder, and no one told you, Victoria lol not Verissa (not sure why you have yet ANOTHER alias to hide behind), to drink asmuch as you did, to get behindthe wheel and race through a main city intersection, hitting and killing a NURSE, and injuring another. It is shirking responsibility, that is a straight fact when you are still out partying.
-
I am with Alisha on this one, Deborah who is being the rude bitch? Victoria Vance aka Victoria Heikkila aka Verissa Hanson apparently lol….She will have to live with this for the rest of her life, regardless of her excuses. Deborah and Kelli I think you both are being the rude bitches and that is my opinion.
-
How can one “constantly” do anything when they haven’t be heard from at all?You’re a real piece of work.Being cruel to someone you don’t know anything of.You may want to take a look at some of those close to your circle there chicky who were just as involved but thankfully they made it home safe without incident.No one has shirked responsibility, you may want to get your facts straight.
-
-
Hoping the hammer of the law comes down.Lori chose to flee the scene of the accident from what I understand but her day has come.RIP Erin and prayers for Lindsey and all the families, loved ones and friends who have suffered because of this tragedy.Erin you are forever in Our Hearts and Minds.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.