KELOWNA - The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identities of three persons who died following a motor vehicle incident near Quesnel on Sept. 4, 2014.

They are: Brian Scott Knutson, aged 48, of Westbank; Shirley Wakefield, aged 73, of New Hazelton; and Alma Helen Wert, aged 70, of Kelowna.

Mr. Knutson was the driver and sole occupant of a pickup truck which was heading northbound on Highway 97 about 7:10 a.m. on Sept. 4, 2014. Approximately 10 km South of Quesnel, near the intersection with Sales Road, the truck was involved in a head-on collision with a southbound SUV being driven by Ms. Wakefield and in which Ms. Wert was a passenger. All three persons were deceased at the scene.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate these deaths.

The families of the victims have been notified of these deaths. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.

Media Contacts:

Donita Kuzma
Regional Coroner, Northern Region
BC Coroners Service
250 565-6040