A 29-year-old man from Coombs, British Columbia, has been charged with six counts related to impaired driving following a tragic incident earlier this year near Qualicum Beach. Patrick Hare, an 80-year-old Good Samaritan from Red Deer, Alberta, was fatally struck while assisting a woman whose minivan had collided with a power pole on Highway 19A at around 2:30 a.m. on March 2. The woman, aged 36, sustained serious injuries, and both were taken to the hospital; however, Hare succumbed to his injuries at a Victoria hospital.
Jordan Pardiac faces charges including dangerous driving causing death and operating a motor vehicle causing death while impaired by both alcohol and cocaine. Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of the BC Highway Patrol highlighted the recurring danger faced by Good Samaritans on the roadway, urging drivers to exercise extreme caution and consider whether they are adequately equipped to help in such situations.
The BC Highway Patrol advises that calling 911 or waiting for professional assistance is often the safest course of action following a collision, particularly when involved in minor crashes. The statement further advises individuals who have exited their vehicles to move away from traffic to minimize risk.
This incident follows another tragic event in June, where a 70-year-old man was killed while attempting to assist after a school bus accident on Highway 97 near Lac La Hache. According to police, the man was struck by an SUV due to limited visibility, with no charges being laid in that case.
