'Step in the right direction': Family of motorcyclists killed by Alberta semi-truck driver relieved charges have been laid
"This is one step in the right direction, but this is only one step, there is still a whole journey ahead of us, and this journey is an unpredictable one"
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There are days when Brenda Powder suffers chronic flashbacks of the Aug. 31 crash with a semi truck that killed her fiancee, Laurent Isadore, and their friend Tyler Duboski — but loved ones received a little bit of good news earlier this week.
On Wednesday RCMP arrested Michael Koochin, of Slave Lake, charging him with 26 offences, including two counts of criminal negligence causing death.
Isadore, 38, of Driftpile First Nation, and Duboski, 33, of Edmonton, were part of a motorcycle group heading out for a fundraiser ride when they were killed in the August collision. Both men belonged to the Redrum Motorcycle Club.
“This is one step in the right direction, but this is only one step, there is still a whole journey ahead of us, and this journey is an unpredictable one,” said Powder.
“It could be a long drawn-out journey, or it could be short, and we have no idea what the outcome will be. But we, along with the overwhelming support we’ve got from all directions will keep the fire lit and strong for as long as it will take and pray the proper justice is given to all who have been impacted by this tragedy.”
Police said the driver of the semi crossed the centre line and collided with the motorcycle group. Isadore and Duboski died on scene and four other motorists were injured in the crash that police said occurred around 11:42 a.m. on Highway 2 near Range Road 143, close to the hamlet of Faust, located 310 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.
“Laurent and Tyler were amazing people and everyone who had a brief encounter with them felt safe, accepted and cared for. They were filled with pure love. They were really good people,” said Powder.
“I pray that people take positive lessons from all of this tragedy. Don’t take each day and the people around you for granted. Live in a positive way, lead with love.”
RCMP said Koochin made his first court appearance on Thursday in Wabasca Desmarais. The arrest came more than four months after the crash, and less than a week after many friends and family protested outside of RCMP headquarters in Edmonton for accountability.
“The investigation took time, because it was very complex,” said Julie-Ann Strilaiff, RCMP public information officer for the western Alberta district.
“Our forensic reconstruction unit had to recreate (the crash) in a way that the court will be able to see it and observe it as if they were there (on scene).
“Because of the severity of the charges and the deaths involved, we had to make sure the Crown had our support and we had the best case.“
Powder said more precautions and transparency should be put on semi-truck drivers.
“There are a lot of us sharing the road and we all want to make it home to our loved ones,” said Powder.
Powder said it is a relief that charges have been laid, and she said when the trial is scheduled, families and friends of the victims will be there in a united front.
“We’re all happy the guy who did this is behind bars and is awaiting his court date,” said Powder.
“Since the day it happened, people have reached out to us and let us know they’re going to be there for us and bring their love and support.”
Some of Koochin‘s other charges include two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, six counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, six counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, possession of methamphetamine and nine driving offences that include driver operate motor vehicle that was not insured and driver fail to operate a commercial vehicle as specified.
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