City employee charged in connection with deadly crash

LETHBRIDGE — An employee of the City of Lethbridge has been charged in connection with a crash involving snow-clearing equipment last winter.

A 72-year-old man died when his Pontiac Montana collided with the rear of a front-end loader that was being used to clear snow. It happened Nov. 13, 2015 in the westbound lanes of Whoop-Up Drive near the University Drive exit.

Investigators determined the glare of the sun, the driving pattern of the loader, and the lack of safety equipment were contributing factors in the collision. A police news release cites warning signs and a pilot vehicle as the type of equipment not being used at the time.

After the case was sent to the Crown for review, one count of dangerous driving causing death was laid against Scott Edward Erickson, 31. He’s scheduled to appear in court Nov. 3.