Vanessa Gove of Chilliwack pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without due care and attention resulting in her husband's death on Hwy. 19 in Parksville on Sept. 24, 2021.  (NanaimoNewsNOW File Photo)
fatal crash

Woman pleads guilty to Parksville highway crash resulting in husband’s death

Jul 19, 2023 | 2:49 PM

NANAIMO — A Chilliwack woman is taking responsibility for a late-night single-vehicle crash on the Inland Island Hwy. which claimed the life of her husband.

Vanessa Caroline Gove, 37, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention in connection to a Sept. 24, 2021 crash on Hwy. 19 at the exit 51 off-ramp.

The vehicle left the road, rolled and landed upside down, according to witnesses.

The 35-year-old male passenger was pronounced dead on scene, while Gove was flown to hospital for treatment.

No other occupants were in the vehicle at the time, a BC Highway Patrol news release at the time stated.

A pre-sentence report was ordered by judge Ron Lamperson.

Gove will likely be sentenced this fall.

Sentencing arguments are expected prior to a judge’s decision.

The Crown indicated its desired punishment for the Motor Vehicle Act infraction is a 3 to 5-year driving ban and a maximum $2,000 fine.

Gove’s lawyer informed the court a reduced driving prohibition term will be sought.

Gove pleaded guilty during a virtually conducted appearance in provincial court in Nanaimo on Wednesday, July 19.

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