The driver responsible for the deaths of two University of Calgary students in September 2003 was awarded the maximum sentence for her crimes in a Calgary courtroom Tue., Mar. 15.
U of C students Joah Atkinson and Brian Collins were killed Sept. 30, 2003 when they were struck by a Ford Aerostar while crossing 32 Ave at 33 St.
Sandra Evans, a 45 year-old northwest Calgary resident, was convicted with careless driving and failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. She was fined $2,000 and received a three-month prohibition on her driver’s licenseÂ.
Atkinson and Collins were a well-known couple on campus and were both actively involved with Dinos Rugby Club. The collision occurred while the pair were returning from a U of C Rugby Club Executive meeting.
Evans, a widowed mother of five, pleaded guilty to all charges, but may defer the fine payment by volunteering to speak to young people about the costs of dangerous driving.
Collins’ and Atkinson’s memory lives on with their friends and family, as well as the Brian Collins and Joah Atkinson Memorial Fund. The scholarship fund, directed towards students who demonstrate outstanding citizenship and involvement with the Rugby Club was established immediately following their tragic deaths by friend Blake Chalmers.
There was also a memorial garden installed on campus in honour of the pair.
A lighted pedestrian cross signal was installed in July 2004 at the crosswalk where the accident occurred.