Man charged after 2024 double-fatal crash near Chetwynd

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Charges have been laid against a Fort St. John man following a 17-month investigation into a double-fatal crash near Chetwynd.

Two vehicles collided shortly after midnight on April 7th, 2024 on Highway 97 South at Wabi Hill. 

A 19-year-old man from Dawson Creek and a 15-year-old boy from Chetwynd were pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an investigation, the BC Highway Patrol forwarded its findings to the BC Prosecution Service.

According to the BC Highway Patrol’s press release on January 9th, four charges were approved against 21-year-old Jaden Christopher Cardinal of Fort St. John on September 22nd 2025. 

He is charged with two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and two counts of impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing death.

Cardinal is scheduled to make his next court appearance on January 27th, 2026, in Dawson Creek.

BC Highway Patrol says no further details about the investigation will be released until the court process is complete.