A 16-year-old girl is dead after a weekend vehicle accident near Ross River.
During the early morning of Saturday, July 7, a pick-up truck with five young people drove into the Pelly River. Four escaped. They tried to rescue the fifth, who was a passenger. One went to Ross River and contacted road crew workers for help. Members of the road crew joined the rescue, but were unable to save the passenger.
The RCMP were contacted over an hour after the vehicle entered the water. Along with a Yukon Medical Services employee, they were able to aid in the recovery of the vehicle and passenger. The girl was pronounced dead once her body was recovered.
The truck was completely submerged. Const. Colin Kemp of the Ross River detachment said only a pink flag on the truck’s radio antenna was visible. Ripples were the only indication that something was under the water.
“The RCMP members of Ross River want the community members to know that their thoughts and prayers are with them,” Sgt. Maj. Ken Foster said in a release. The victim’s family is receiving support from community and clergy. The RCMP are maintaining contact with local leadership and the families involved.
The driver has been charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death and Dangerous Driving Causing Death. No names have been released. The RCMP are continuing their investigation.