Four charges approved in 2024 fatal Chetwynd crash

A Fort St. John man will now face multiple criminal charges relating to a double fatal collision in Chetwynd, which occurred in 2024.

Crime scene markers and debris scattered across Highway 97 from the multi-vehicle collision - (RCMP Media Release)

21-year-old Jaden Christopher Cardinal will now face four criminal charges including two counts of impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death, and two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

The charges were laid on September 22, 2025, and his next court appearance is scheduled for January 27 in Dawson Creek according to the release.

A 2011 grey Ford F350 pickup and a 2001 black Dodge 2500 pickup were involved in a fatal collision along Highway 97 on April 7, 2024, just before midnight on Wabi Hill near Chetwynd.

A 15-year-old boy from Chetwynd and 19-year-old from Dawson Creek passed away at the scene, while the 21-year-old male driver of the Ford F350 was transported to hospital with life threatening injuries according to RCMP.

Police say they will not discuss further details about the investigation until the court process has been completed.