Timothy Bierlmeier and Trevor Castagner were best friends.
Bierlmeier was married to Castagner’s sister Richelle and the two men were “joined at the hip,” she said.
Until a snowmobile collision on New Year’s Day changed everything.
Bierlmeier, 40, was killed outside his home on Rainbow Road in the early morning hours of January 1.
His brother-in-law, Castagner, 37, was charged with impaired driving causing death, operation of a motor vehicle with a blood-alcohol level over .08 and dangerous driving causing death.
The Whitehorse RCMP cannot give further detail about the collision because it’s before the courts, said Sgt. Don Rogers.
“It was a terrible, horrible accident,” said Richelle.
“But it was not a crime.”
Castagner and Bierlmeier were born and raised Yukoners.
“A lot of people know Tim and Trevor,” she said.
“And my brother is going through hell right now.
“They were best friends and joined at the hip until the very last minute.”