EDMONTON – In what Edmonton police say is a first for the force, a suspected impaired driver has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a crash this fall.
A 47-year-old man lost control of the Corvette he was driving, rolling the vehicle onto its roof on Yellowhead Tr. westbound, just underneath the Victoria Tr. underpass. His 41-year-old passenger, Adele James, died at the scene. The driver, meanwhile, was taken to hospital with serious injuries from which he has recovered.
The deadly rollover happened Oct. 12. around 5:30 p.m. after what reportedly started as a family gathering in Sherwood Park. Investigators say someone from the residence called 911 to report the driver had left the home after consuming alcohol. He had apparently been told to wait for a designated driver, but he and the woman chose not to.
Several concerned motorists, who saw the vehicle driving erratically, also called 911. Police were not able to catch up with the vehicle before it was too late.
Subsequent investigations revealed alcohol and excessive speed were factors in the crash.
“In close consultation with the Crown, our unit has moved forward with charges of manslaughter against the accused,” said Cst. Binoy Prabhu with EPS’ Major Collision Investigation Unit.
“This is the first time in EPS history that Traffic Section has laid a charge of manslaughter in relation to a traffic fatality.”
Allan Dean Balay’s charges also include: dangerous driving cause death and impaired operation causing death.
Balay is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 14, 2015.
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