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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Fall off roof of moving SUV proves fatal

Young man dies after accident; driver facing several charges

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 02/13/2012 1:00 AM

A 23-year-old man has died from his injuries sustained in a single-vehicle accident when he fell off the roof of a moving SUV early Saturday morning in Elie.

RCMP responded to a 911 call around 3 a.m. after the man reportedly fell off the roof of an SUV travelling north on Provincial Road 248.

He was transported to hospital in Winnipeg in "grave" condition and succumbed to his injuries Sunday afternoon.

RCMP Sgt. Line Karpish said alcohol is considered a cause of the accident.

"The best decisions are not made under the influence of alcohol, particularly as it relates to driving. All it leaves behind are regrets and tears," she said.

The 29-year-old driver of the Ford Escape was taken into custody and later released on a recognizance.

He is scheduled to appear in court March 19 in Winnipeg and will face numerous impaired-driving-related charges, including causing death and failure to stop at the scene of an accident.

"When you're a driver, you have the responsibility for your vehicle (including) wearing a seatbelt and how you drive.

"They can become weapons on the road. Bad things sometimes happen in split seconds when poor decisions are made. We saw it more than 100 times last year," Karpish said.

The names of the deceased and driver are not being released at this time.

The RCMP continue to investigate.

-- Staff

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition February 13, 2012 A5

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