Man charged in deaths of two UBC students hit by car

The RCMP says a man has been charged in connection with the deaths of two 18-year-old UBC students who were hit by a vehicle near the Vancouver campus last year.

It happened at around 1:45 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2021. Evan Smith and Emily Selwood were walking on a sidewalk near North West Marine Drive when they were hit by the car, which had veered off the road, Mounties say.

The Vancouver Fire Department and Emergency Health Services were called to the scene, where the two were pronounced dead.

“Since that day, our family and our lives have not, and will not, ever be the same. All who knew Emily remain heartbroken by her sudden and tragic death,” reads a statement from Laurie and Duncan Selwood, Emily’s parents.

“Charges, court, and convictions of course do not tell the whole story, or the toll that impaired drivers take on victims and survivors. Emily was so much more than just a tragic statistic, and we want her to be remembered for what she accomplished in her short life.”

Courtesy Michelle Huang

Evan Smith’s parents, Debbie O’Day-Smith and Adam Smith, also released a statement, saying their lives have been shattered since the loss of their son.

“In that terrible moment, because of someone’s deliberate decision to drive after drinking, our son’s lifelong plans, dreams and goals will never be realized. This heinous act of selfishness and stupidity made our worst nightmare come true.

“As we navigate our lives through our grief, we want Evan to be remembered for the remarkable person he was. Those that knew and loved him no doubt already do that.”

Related links:

• Questions over road safety after UBC students hit, killed

• Community grief after death of UBC students: Psych prof

• Two UBC students dead after being hit by vehicle near campus

In a statement Thursday, UBC President Santa Ono said Emily and Evan’s lives came to an end “all too quickly and under terrible circumstances.”

“We have collectively and individually mourned Emily Selwood and Evan Smith in the weeks and months since, and on behalf of the university, I wish to once again extend our deepest condolences to their grieving families. Emily and Evan are gone from them too soon and I cannot fathom the depth of their sadness,” he wrote.

Ono reaffirmed trauma and grief counselling supports are available for the UBC community after the September 2021 incident.

“Our focus remains on the lives and legacies of the two young people who died nearly one year ago. Emily and Evan are missed by many here at UBC. We will not forget them,” he said.

Tim Carl Robert Goerner, 22, of Vancouver has been charged with two counts each of impaired driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and impaired driving.

Sgt. Chris Manseau with the RCMP says he spoke with the families recently.

“I don’t want to put words into their mouth but by speaking with them yesterday, I think it was a relief that charges have been approved,” said Manseau.

“Today was a day that I think they’ve been anticipating and although a tragic situation, I think they were happy the charges were approved.”

With files from Charlie Carey