Red Deer man convicted in fatal crash to be sentenced next month

During his trial in February, an RCMP forensic collision analyst testified that Beauclair’s vehicle was travelling southbound on Highway 808 southeast of Red Deer, late on the night of July 1, 2016.

Cst. Stephen Molnar said his investigation determined Beauclair’s car was travelling at speeds of between 121-145 km/hr before blowing a stop sign at Highway 595 and narrowly missing a head-on collision with another vehicle.

After crossing Highway 595, Beauclair’s vehicle lost control on the gravel surface of Range Road 261, hit the eastside ditch, damaged a barbwire fence, then downed a utility pole before coming to rest.

The crash claimed the lives of 16-year-old Ashleigh Smith of Springbrook and 18-year-old John Dolliver of Penhold, both ejected from the backseat of Beauclair’s vehicle during the crash. Two other teens riding in the car were also injured.

At trial, court heard the group of five friends planned to attend fireworks in Sylvan Lake that night but due to some rain, decided to attend a party near Joffre instead.

However, on the way there, a pair of angry phone calls from the father of Beauclair’s girlfriend Shaylene Taberner, lead to an argument between the couple and the group cancelling their party plans.

Although Taberner was said to be the designated driver that evening, Beauclair took over the wheel following the couple’s argument, in hopes of getting her home faster.

During submissions, Simic noted two speeding violations for Beauclair while on release conditions in 2017 and 2018 after the 2016 crash, telling Justice Bill Hopkins a sentence of three to four years would be appropriate.

Beauclair was convicted on two counts of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Defense lawyer Donna Derie-Gillespie told court during her sentencing submission that a two and a half year sentence would be more suitable, saying, “We’re talking about bad driving here over 10-14 seconds.”

Ten victim impact statements were read before the court on Thursday.

Smith’s father Peter said, “I will never again be able to hold my first born child, all of our family has been robbed of so many memories. I’m angry, this tragedy has brought anger to the ones I love. I’m empty, there is a part of me that died that night, I continue to feel empty inside.”

Smith’s mother Tanus also gave a heart-wrenching statement.

“July 1, 2016 was the worst day of our lives. My beautiful baby girl is gone, nothing is the same anymore, our lives ruined. She was our sweet bundle of joy.”

However, it was Smith’s grandfather Ernie Snopek who may have given the most scathing recount of his family’s pain.

Through his statement, he told court, “My young granddaughter’s death has created a void that will never be repaired, we are left with a never ending grief. This death was so avoidable and unnecessary. My anger is all consuming. There is not now or ever will be a spot in my heart for forgiveness.”

Tammy Dolliver, John’s mother, told court through her victim impact statement that John was a kind, caring and compassionate son.

“No amount of counselling can make it better, my heart is broken,” read Dolliver’s statement. “We were robbed of a future with our son. No milestone will ever feel the same.”

Justice Bill Hopkins will render his decision Sept. 3.

by Sheldon Spackman

Red Deer man convicted in fatal crash to be sentenced next month

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