A British Columbia woman who fatally struck a construction worker in a highway work zone will serve four years in prison, a Crown prosecutor announced today. The sentence, handed down in British Columbia Provincial Court, brings a measure of closure to a case that sparked outrage and renewed calls for stricter penalties for drivers endangering roadside workers.
Construction Zone Tragedy: Four-Year Sentence Delivered
A driver’s actions in a highway work zone resulted in the death of a construction worker, leading to a four-year prison sentence
- Kirsten LaRose, 35, was sentenced to four years in prison.
- The victim, Kevin Chen, 33, died after being struck on Highway 1 near Duncan on November 21, 2022.
- The incident highlighted the dangers of distracted driving and the vulnerability of workers in the zone.
- LaRose pleaded guilty to the charge in December 2023.
- The judge acknowledged the devastating impact on Chen’s family and the importance of deterring similar offenses.
What factors influenced the sentencing in this case? The judge considered LaRose’s guilty plea,her lack of prior criminal record,and the circumstances surrounding the collision,ultimately settling on a four-year term despite the Crown’s request for a longer sentence.
According to court documents, Kirsten LaRose, 35, struck Kevin Chen while he was performing road maintenance work on Highway 1 near Duncan on November 21, 2022. Chen, 33, died at the scene. The Crown argued that LaRose was distracted while driving and failed to adequately slow down or move over for the workers, a violation of British Columbia’s “Move Over” law.
“This was a tragic and preventable incident,” Crown prosecutor Sarah Runyon told the court. “Mr. Chen was simply doing his job,and his life was cut short as of a driver’s negligence.”
LaRose pleaded guilty to hazardous driving causing death in December 2023.Her lawyer, Susan Botkin, acknowledged the seriousness of the offense but emphasized LaRose’s remorse and her willingness to accept obligation. Botkin also highlighted LaRose’s previously clean driving record and her contributions to the community.
Judge Lisa Warren acknowledged the profound grief experienced by Chen’s family, reading victim impact statements detailing the devastating loss. She stated that the sentence must reflect the seriousness of the offense and serve as a deterrent to others.
“This case underscores the importance of paying attention while driving and respecting the safety of workers in roadside work zones,” Judge Warren said. “These individuals put themselves at risk every day to maintain our infrastructure, and they deserve our utmost consideration.”
The sentencing has reignited debate about penalties for drivers who endanger roadside workers. Advocates are calling for increased fines, longer prison sentences, and stricter enforcement of “Move Over” laws. The British columbia Road Safety Alliance has launched a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of protecting workers in construction zones.
Chen’s family has requested privacy during this challenging time. No further details regarding the family’s statement have been released.
