Senior escapes with fine for killing pedestrian

 An 82-year-old Lake Country man has been handed a fine and driving prohibition for striking and killing a young girl with his pick-up truck.

George Kozub broke down in tears in Kelowna court Wednesday and said he was sorry. “It was a terrible tragedy and so many people got hurt.”

The incident happened in January, 2010 when Kozub was driving on Bottom Wood Lake Road where he veered onto the shoulder and struck Josie Evans, 15, who was walking home after school band practice. Evans was pronounced dead at the scene. She was wearing dark clothing and walking with traffic and it was raining and dark at the time of the collision.

Kozub says he simply didn’t see the girl.

Kozub pleaded guilty to “not exercising due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian” under the Motor Vehicle Act.

He’s been fined $1,000 and banned from driving at night.