Almost a year since a head-on collision on the Cut that killed a 63-year-old Vancouver man, a charge has been laid against one driver.
On Jan. 9, 2017, the driver of a black Mustang hit the concrete median while headed northbound on Highway 1 and crossed into the southbound lanes, hitting an oncoming white van.
Killed in the crash was delivery driver Dan Lutes.
The RCMP’s Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service spent much of 2017 investigating the crash.
On Tuesday, Crown counsel swore one charge of driving without due care and attention against Albert Troll, 50.
First responders said at the time of the collision Troll and his passengers were not injured.
It’s been a “frustrating and devastating” year for Lutes’ family in Ontario, said his daughter Natalie Ellis, but she added she is glad to see a charge sworn.
A Port Mann Freeway Patrol spokesperson said the RCMP cannot comment on the details of the charge, other than that it involved a detailed analysis of the crash.
“It’s a complicated investigation. There are reports police were waiting for in order to complete their investigation. Those reports do take time,” said Const. Melissa Wutke, Port Mann Freeway Patrol spokeswoman. “Obviously the families want answers and rightfully so. They’ve lost a loved one.”
Ellis said while she was disappointed to see the charge was under the Motor Vehicle Act and not the Criminal Code of Canada, she had faith in the work of the lead investigator.
“I feel he was very diligent in his investigation and very communicative with us, with questions that we had,” she said. “I’m happy that he took the time and care and did his job very well.”
Lutes had recently retired as an insurance adjuster in Nanaimo and moved to Vancouver where he intended to start a business. He was working as a delivery driver to get to know the local geography.
The loss was felt deeply in his hometown of Orillia, Ont. where he was a highly respected man, Ellis said.
“He was one of seven kids. His parents are still alive and grieving. He had two grandchildren and two children,” she said. “My dad was someone who was loved. … My dad was an important person to a lot of people and he made an impact.”
Troll is the son of the late Gary and Carol Troll, longtime owners of Trolls restaurant in West Vancouver. The restaurant is still owned by the Troll family.
Albert Troll’s first court appearance is at the end of the month.
