Kamloops man charged in connection to triple-fatal crash sentenced to three years

KAMLOOPS — A Kamloops man who was charged in a triple fatal car crash in November of 2019 has pleaded guilty in Kamloops Supreme Court today (Dec. 3).

A series of charges had been laid against Reid McKnight of Kamloops, following a vehicle crash near the intersection of First Avenue and Battle Street on November 3 of 2019 which claimed the lives of three international students at Thompson Rivers University.

Four students had been driving together in a car near the intersection, when their vehicle was hit by a pick up truck. Two of the four occupants, Feyisola (David) Adebowale and Daniel Okocha, were killed instantly. A third, Oluwatosin (Kelvin) Adeojo, died ten days later.

A fourth occupant received non-life threatening injuries. All were former international students at Thompson Rivers University, and had worked at the Coast Sundance Lodge in Sun Peaks.

RCMP determined the truck was speeding and ran a stop sign when it hit the car, which had the right of way. However, the driver of the truck had fled the scene.

Police later found the truck was registered to 31-year-old Reid McKnight of Kamloops. He was arrested and released as RCMP investigated.

More than two years later, 33-year-old Reid McKnight pleaded guilty today (Dec. 3) to multiple charges of dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing death.

A joint submission on sentencing was presented to B.C. Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Ker by defence lawyer Jeremy Jensen and Crown prosecutor Chris Balison.

The joint submission called for Reid McKnight to serve three years in prison followed by a three-year driving ban when released.

Crown Prosecutor Chris Balison says McKnight had also been charged with careless use or storage of a firearm, and storage of firearm contrary to regulation, but those charges were stayed. As part of today’s sentencing, McKnight did receive a ten year ban on firearms.

Following the sentencing, Kamloops RCMP released a statement highlighting the extent of resources put into this case. Members of the Serious Crime Unit, General Investigation Support Team, Forensic Identification Services, Municipal Traffic Unit, and district and divisional supports were involved in the investigation.

“This was an extremely tragic event for the Kamloops community, particularly for the student body at TRU and its Nigerian population,” states Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Syd Lecky, “The investigation that followed was complex and brought us to today’s court decision. Although we know nothing can undo what’s been lost with the lives of these men, or repair the sorrow and heartache suffered as a result, we hope today’s outcome will bring some solace to the victims’ families, friends, and community.”