New Year's Day proves tragic for family
It was a tragic New Year's Day for one Whitehorse family,
It was a tragic New Year's Day for one Whitehorse family, when one man was killed in a motor vehicle collision and his brother-in-law was charged with impaired driving causing death.
Timothy Bierlmeier, 40, died outside a home in Crestview last Saturday, according to an RCMP report filed that same day. He was the father of three young children.
Trevor Castagner, 37, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death and impaired driving causing death.
The incident occurred outside his Rainbow Road home.
"This was a terrible accident, not a crime,” the men's family said today in a brief statement.
Bierlmeier was married to Castagner's sister.
Emergency responders found Bierlmeier dead on the scene, RCMP spokesman Sgt. Don Rogers said today.
Police are not releasing any information beyond the two men's ages and the charges laid against Castagner, Rogers said.
He could not confirm reports that the two men were riding a snow machine at the time of the crash, nor could he say where exactly Bierlmeier was when he died.
His body has been sent to Vancouver for an autopsy, chief coroner Sharon Hanley said today.
Castagner was arrested Saturday and released on $500 bail the following day, with orders to remain in the Yukon.
He is currently barred from drinking, and from going to any bar or off sales outlet. He is also under a driving ban.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing, Rogers said.
Castagner is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 19.
The maximum penalty for impaired driving causing death is life imprisonment, while the maximum for dangerous driving causing death is 14 years.
Castagner has not entered a plea to any of the charges against him.
Comments (14)
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Joan Morgan on Jan 10, 2011 at 10:19 pm
I too was deeply saddened to hear of Tim's passing. Along with the many previous posters, I will also remember Tim's smile most of all. Even the last few days when I think of him, it brings a smile, the memories are all good.
I only knew Tim for a short while, but he won't be forgotten any time soon.
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Penny Gleave on Jan 8, 2011 at 11:42 am
I just found out about this awful, awful tragedy. My deepest thoughts go to Rachelle and the children and family of Tim. I first met Rachelle and Tim when we bought our home next to them. Always kind and thoughtful people. They have the kind of Love that everyone can see and most admire. My son had a special fondness for Tim and he could never leave Tim alone when he was out mowing the lawn. Tim always found the time to take and give him a ride on his lawnmower or quad, giving both of them huge smiles. I have moved away from the Yukon for almost fours years now. The kindness that Tim and Rachelle showed my son and myself are always remembered and treasured. You have a great family Rachelle and I know that through time, things will get a little easier. Bless your hearts and know that you are surrounded by the love of family and friends. Lean on them and gain strength from them. Tim lives on in the hearts of You all.
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Ernie Buck on Jan 7, 2011 at 6:28 am
I think I was only a few months old when my Father met Tim, He was only 17. He was as much a part of our family as anyone, he was like an uncle to me, and a mentor and teacher for the five years we worked together. I still can't believe he's gone. He will be dearly missed by everyone who had the good fortune of meeting him. He always talked about his family when we were out working. He truly loved his family and life, this is a tragedy that I will never forget.
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Marc & Shelly Lafrance on Jan 6, 2011 at 1:12 pm
Our deepest condolences to all family members.
Although we have not been in direct contact since we left the Yukon, our memories of Tim and his family are still etched in our minds. Had the pleasure to work with Tim and it was always a pleasure being around him. As previously mentioned by others, he always had a smile. He will be missed. Our prayers are with the family. Goodbye Tim...
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Square D on Jan 6, 2011 at 8:06 am
Truly a horrific event.
I worked with Tim when I first moved to the Yukon. Anyone who knew him knows he always had that big ol' smile plastered on his face 24 hours a day. He was a great, hard working family man and I'm sickened to my core knowing his children, wife and family are overcome by this tragedy.
It is next to impossible to find any good in this situation only to resend the message that drinking and driving does ruin lives.
Good people make bad decisions all the time, this is one of those times where the worst possible situation played out and the pain won't go away anytime soon.
If this doesn't send the message to drive sober, I don't know what does.
Condolences to the vast network of family and friends of Tim and I bet he's already found a sweet fishing hole on the other side.
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Mike Yim on Jan 6, 2011 at 6:35 am
I worked with Tim. He was a good guy talked about his family. He really loved his family. It is sad I'll never see or talk to him again. You were a good man Tim and you will be missed by all the people you met. Hopefully I will see you again in the after life. My heart goes out to his family.
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Colleen Benoit on Jan 6, 2011 at 1:33 am
My heart and prayers go out to both families, i am so sorry this has happened.
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Richard and Marlane McMaster on Jan 5, 2011 at 1:34 pm
We knew Tim, his father and mother, and brother, Brian, when he was a little boy and watched him grow up into a very nice young man. We are deeply saddened by this awful accident. Our deepest sympathies go out to both families.
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Ann Asquith on Jan 5, 2011 at 9:56 am
I feel for everyone involved in this situation, having lost my late husband in an accident many years ago I know how devastated you must all be, what a tragic accident.
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june jackson on Jan 5, 2011 at 9:26 am
I was so sorry to read this.. I remember Tim when he was just a little boy in Dawson.. Linda, Jim.. to the wife and family.. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
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Eyvi Smith on Jan 5, 2011 at 9:14 am
This is a terrible accident, our deepest condolences sympathy goes out to the family.
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Steven McLelan on Jan 5, 2011 at 6:50 am
Very, very sad. My heart felt sympathies to Tim's wife, children, family, and friends. I had met Tim a couple times, he was an incredible husband, father, son, and friend. He will be missed by all those lucky enough to have had him touch their lives.
Farewell my friend.
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Audra Birss on Jan 4, 2011 at 9:14 am
My deepest condolences goes out to this family. What a tragic thing to happen. I just really hope that everyone has enough faith and hope to get them through such a difficult time.
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Erin Stehelin on Jan 4, 2011 at 7:52 am
My deepest condolences go out the families. This is a horrific and tragic accident.