Driver, homeowners charged following fatal post-grad party crash in Cape Breton

Three people are facing charges in connection with the death of a 17-year-old Cape Breton boy after a graduation party last June.

The collision happened on Highway 223 near Leitches Creek, N.S, around 3:30 a.m. on June 10, as Nathan Joneil Hanna was walking home.

Nathan, known as Joneil, was killed as a result. His mother, Jenn Hanna, told local media her son had been bending over to tie his shoe as he walked home from the party.

READ MORE: No evidence driver of vehicle that killed Cape Breton teen was impaired: police

Cape Breton Regional Police say the 21-year-old driver of the vehicle was not showing signs of impairment, but as a result of the investigation, has been charged with attempting to obstruct justice in connection with circumstances following the collision.

CBRP say Hayden Kenneth Laffin, of Bras d’Or, N.S., appeared in Sydney provincial court on Thursday to face the charge.

Police have also charged the two homeowners who hosted the graduation party. Kenneth Wilkie, 52, and Donna Wilkie, 49, have been charged with allowing drunkenness on their property.

Under the Liquor Control Act, the offence carries a maximum fine of $2,000 and/or six months in jail.

Both are scheduled to appear in Sydney provincial court on Sept. 18 to face the charges.

— With files from Rebecca Lau and The Canadian Press.