A judge who led an inquiry into a fatal after-hours bobsled run in 2016 says Canada Olympic Park should explore using infrared technology to help prevent similar tragedies.
Provincial court Judge Margaret Keelaghan found the deaths of 17-year-old twins Evan and Jordan Caldwell were accidental and caused by blunt-force head and neck trauma.
The Caldwell twins and six other young men climbed over a six-foot fence at the park with plastic sleds and a plan to slide down the bobsled track. But the group didn’t know there was a barrier in place meant to divide the bobsled and luge tracks, as well as a chain strung across.
Keelaghan noted park owner Winsport has already taken numerous steps to address security concerns, including improved signage, fencing and patrols.
She’s recommending safety audits, posting details of penalties on no-trespassing signs, putting up more cameras and boosting training and education for staff and the public.
She said Winsport should continue to look for technology to improve safety, “including the potential use of infrared technology at the top and down the track that might trip an alarm and alert security and/or activate lights.
“These measures could act as a deterrent.”
She thanked the boys’ parents for being in court for the inquiry in April and commended the “strength and grace” they displayed.
Watch from February 2016: Winsport’s President offers his condolences over the tragic incident that took two lives and injured six others on the bobsleigh track after hours.
“The young men involved in this incident were thrill-seeking youth whose ill-conceived risk-taking resulted in unspeakable tragedy,” Keelaghan wrote in her report, dated Sept. 24 and released Monday.
“It is important, however, to remember that the two promising young men who passed away were bright, talented members of their community, loved by their family and their friends, who did not involve themselves with drugs or alcohol and how, before the incident occurred, had spent the evening at their church youth group.”
READ MORE: Inquiry begins into 2016 deaths of Caldwell twins on Calgary bobsled track
The Caldwell family thanked Judge Keelaghan for her report into Jordan’s and Evan’s deaths.
In a statement to Global News, Jason and Shauna Caldwell said:
“It has been meaningful to have this incident reviewed from both a factual and objective point of view.
“More importantly, we are grateful for the consideration that was given to the human element of this tragedy. These deaths were extremely traumatic for everyone.
“We extend our gratitude to all involved in the inquiry process that the proceedings did not become contentious. Nothing can compensate for the loss of our sons, but we feel that the planned and future protections being implemented by Winsport are fitting and appropriate.”
WATCH: Family of twin boys killed in Calgary bobsled accident don’t want to lay blame
Winsport also provided a statement to Global News:
“WinSport would like to thank Judge Keelaghan for the time she has dedicated to the fatality inquiry and her final report,” said Dale Oviatt, a senior manager of communications. “We appreciated the opportunity to participate in the inquiry.
“We have reviewed Judge Keelaghan’s report and accept all of her recommendations.
“We confirm that we have implemented or will be implementing all of the recommendations in the report.
“Once again, all of us at WinSport want to offer our thoughts to the families affected by this tragic incident.”
— With files from Global News
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