Chris and Karri Brinnen have initiated a letter-writing campaign in their pursuit of justice for their son and two friends after being informed that no criminal charges will be filed in connection with a devastating accident that led to the death of one young man and left two others with serious injuries. The tragic incident occurred on November 23, 2023, in Kamloops, involving three members of the Thompson Rivers University men’s volleyball team: Owyn McInnis, who lost his life; Riley Brinnen, who suffered life-altering injuries, and Owen Waterhouse, who was also severely injured. The driver responsible for the crash, 29-year-old Colval Abbinett, is expected to face only a minor traffic violation rather than any criminal charges. This decision has deeply unsettled the Brinnen family, with Karri Brinnen expressing a desire for justice not only for their son but for all involved.
The aftermath of the crash saw Riley Brinnen, then 21 years old, facing a daunting recovery process. He incurred an incomplete spinal cord injury, which has left him fully paralyzed in his left leg and partially paralyzed in his right leg. Despite enduring months of treatment at Vancouver General Hospital and additional rehabilitation at the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, his father, Chris Brinnen, acknowledges that Riley will never return to his previous physical state. This heartbreaking context has only intensified the family’s outrage over the lack of criminal accountability for the driver, Abbinett, especially as reports indicated that he was driving erratically before colliding with their vehicle.
Karri Brinnen expressed her disbelief at the decision not to pursue criminal charges, calling it “absolutely horrifying.” There are concerns within the victim’s families that the justice system has failed them, particularly as they were informed by a source close to the investigation that recommendations for charges under the Criminal Code had been made to the Crown. Global News attempted to contact the B.C. Prosecution Service for clarification but did not receive a response before publication. The apparent disconnect between the police findings and the prosecution’s decision has left many questions unanswered, aggravating the distress felt by the Brinnen family and the families of the other victims.
Chris Brinnen, who has personal experience as a former police officer and has investigated fatal crashes, finds it incomprehensible that criminal prosecution was not considered in this case. He reflected on the severity of the situation and the available evidence, questioning how it fell outside prosecutable circumstances despite the evident negligence displayed by Abbinett during the incident. This sense of mistrust in the judicial process has propelled the Brinnens to take action, as they, along with the families of the other victims, have begun reaching out to politicians in hopes of prompting a review of the case.
Their efforts underscore a broader appeal for justice that extends beyond their individual loss. The Brinnen family believes that the case is of significant public interest, as it raises concerns regarding road safety and accountability for reckless driving behavior that can result in tragic outcomes. Chris Brinnen emphasizes the failure of an agency that is expected to protect the citizens of B.C., describing their disappointment in the response to this tragic event. The families of the victims are determined to fight for what they believe is a necessary examination of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
As the Brinnen family and other advocates continue their letter-writing campaign, they hope to garner attention and support for their plight, which they believe should resonate not just with those directly affected by this collision but with the community at large. They aim to highlight the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions result in devastating consequences. Their commitment to pursuing justice for Owyn McInnis and the significant injuries suffered by Riley Brinnen and Owen Waterhouse reflects a dedication not only to their loved ones but to advocating for systemic change and greater accountability in the face of such tragedies in the future.
