‘Preventable’: Red Deer resident dead after alleged fatal DUI crash

RCMP Car

A Calgary man is facing two charges after a fatal collision in Lacombe County in May.

Sylvan Lake RCMP say on May 16 just before 7 p.m., it responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Asplund Road and Highway 20.

Police and the Sylvan Lake Fire Department helped the driver out of a Chevrolet Silverado. The 65-year-old person from Red Deer was declared dead at the scene, RCMP said in a news release Sunday.

The driver of the other vehicle, 49-year-old Zainul Puzhakkal from Calgary, was arrested. Alcohol and speed are contributing factors in the crash, RCMP said.

Puzhakkal was charged with dangerous driving causing death, and operating a vehicle while impaired.

“Once again this is a tragic reminder that operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol places all motoring public at grave risk. If you choose to drink, make the choice to not operate any motor vehicle,” said Detachment Commander Sgt. Peden in the release.

“As the summer months are upon us, take the time to plan. This loss of life, as with other fatal collisions, are preventable.”

Puzhakkal was released and is expected to make their first court appearance on July 9 in Red Deer.