A collision between a pedestrian and motor vehicle has taken a woman’s life over the weekend.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 2nd, the Lacombe Police Service (LPS) and EMS crews responded to a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian on 50th Ave. at 54th St., just west of the downtown core.
A 59-year-old female was jogging and crossing the street when she was struck by a pickup truck turning east onto 50th Ave. from 54th St. The driver of the pickup truck, a 72-year-old male from Lacombe, stopped as did several other witnesses to provide assistance to the pedestrian.
The pedestrian was initially treated at the scene and then transported to the Lacombe Hospital by EMS where she succumbed to her injuries a short while later.
The police investigation determined that neither speed nor alcohol were factors in the collision. The 72 -year-old driver of the pickup has been charged with careless driving.
“Sadly, this tragic outcome was the result of a momentary lapse in attention and judgment on the part of the driver,” said Police Chief Steve Murray. “This extremely sad loss will be felt by not only the family, but the entire community”
This was reported to be the first traffic fatality in the City of Lacombe in 13 years.
The pedestrian has been identified as Linda Ethier, wife of Dr. Dennis Ethier.
On Jan. 9th, the Lacombe Running Club will be holding a memorial run in her memory. Participants are encouraged to meet at 5516-55th Ave. at 9 a.m. Runners will leave at 9:05 a.m. and complete a route around Elizabeth Lake and part of Barnett Lake. Organizers say the run will be slower pace and all runners are welcome.