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Charges laid in 2012 fatal crash in Abbotsford

Matthew Hamon charged in collision that killed Brian Patchett.
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Brian Patchett

Charges have been laid in a crash that killed 22-year-old Brian Patchett of Abbotsford on Sept. 23, 2012.

Matthew Hamon, 23, of Abbotsford faces nine charges – one count each of impaired driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and causing an accident resulting in death; and two counts each of impaired driving causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, and causing an accident resulting in bodily harm.

Patchett was in the back seat of a 1997 Chevy Malibu headed west on Vye Road near Sumas Way at about 2:30 a.m. when the vehicle struck a concrete barricade, then a hydro pole, and flipped on its roof.

He was pronounced dead on the scene, and a 22-year-old woman who was also in the back seat was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

The male driver and the female passenger in the front seat were treated for minor injuries.

Police at the time said alcohol and speed were suspected as factors in the crash.

Following the incident, Patchett's wife said he had been on his way home from a friend's 22nd birthday party, and the driver was a friend of his.

Patchett left behind two young children – a boy, now 5, and a girl, now 4 – for whom a trust fund was set up.

He had been working at an Abbotsford furniture store, and was the family's main bread-winner.

According to the provincial court database, Hamon was previously convicted of assault with a weapon and was sentenced in June 2012 to 18 months' probation.

 

 



Vikki Hopes

About the Author: Vikki Hopes

I have been a journalist for almost 40 years, and have been at the Abbotsford News since 1991.
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