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Man pleads guilty in fatal drunk driving collision near Bladworth

A 50-year-old man had pleaded guilty to driving drunk and killing Danille Kerpan on Highway 11 near Bladworth, Sask. in 2014. File / Global News

SASKATOON – A 50-year-old man pleaded guilty to drunk driving causing death in a Saskatoon provincial courtroom on Thursday. John Koch will return to court Jan. 18 when a date for his sentencing will be set.

On Oct. 10, 2014, on the Thanksgiving long weekend, 25-year-old Danille Kerpan was killed on Highway 11 near Bladworth, Sask. when Koch’s vehicle collided with hers.

READ MORE: Saskatoon family reeling after fatal crash claims four lives

The victim’s father and former Saskatchewan MP Allan Kerpan says he hopes the court will raise the bar and impose harsher penalties against drunk drivers adding he was overwhelmed with sadness and frustration when hearing of the Van de Vorst family losing four loved ones.

Catherine McKay, 49, appeared in the same provincial court via video Thursday facing four impaired driving causing death charges after a tragic two-vehicle crash this past weekend.

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“I would never have known how they could possibly feel prior to this happening to our family, you think you know but you cannot possibly know the sorrow and the loss and the grief that you feel when you loss somebody and theirs is times four,” said Allan.

WATCH: Father of drunk driving victim speaks out

Click to play video: 'Father of drunk driving victim speaks out'
Father of drunk driving victim speaks out

In 2014, alcohol was a factor in 55 fatal collisions on Saskatchewan roadways.

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