There are heavy hearts in Grindrod and Enderby after a motor vehicle accident claimed two lives.
Carlee Nora De Boer, 20, of Grindrod, and Paige Alexandra Whitelaw, 20, of Ladysmith, died when a vehicle they were passengers in left Highway 6 in Vernon Sunday.
“It’s really heartbreaking,” said Greg McCune, Enderby mayor.
“There’s not a person in town who won’t be affected.”
De Boer had previously worked for McCune at his business, Sutherland’s Bakery.
“I’ve known their family forever and I hung out with her dad when I was her age,” said McCune.
“She was a popular young lady and was always out in the community.”
Whitelaw was attending college in Kelowna and had become friends with a number of residents from Enderby.
“She has a strong Enderby connection,” said McCune.
Two male passengers in the vehicle are from Enderby.
On Sunday at about 1:27 a.m., Vernon RCMP responded to a collision on Highway at Waddington Drive.
The incident occurred when a white 2013 GMC Sierra pickup truck, with five occupants, was travelling eastbound on Highway 6 and could not make the curve in the road.
“The vehicle hit the shoulder and rolled several times,” said Sgt. Mike Moyer, with the RCMP.
A 21-year-old Armstrong man driving the vehicle is under investigation.
“There is indication that alcohol and speed could have been a contributing factor,” said Moyer.
The investigation into the accident continues and witness are asked to contact the Vernon RCMP at 250-545-7171.
The investigation resulted in Highway 6 being closed for nearly four hours Sunday morning.