Crown, defence seek two-year sentence for driver in Saskatoon fatal crash case

The Crown and defence are jointly recommending a two-year sentence for a 25-year-old man responsible for a fatal crash in Saskatoon. Stacey Hein reports.

The Crown and defence are jointly recommending a two-year sentence for a 25-year-old man responsible for a fatal crash in Saskatoon.

Wylie Vermette was behind the wheel of a truck travelling at high speed down Quebec Avenue at around 6 p.m. on June 11, 2024, when he collided with an SUV, sending four occupants to hospital.

One passenger in the SUV, 22-year-old Natalie Gardipy, died in hospital. Two others were seriously injured, including Brandi Keenatch, who was paralyzed.

Earlier this year, Vermette pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

At a sentencing hearing Thursday, Crown prosecutor Shaela Verma and defence lawyer Brian Pfefferle jointly recommended Vermette be given a sentence of two years. With five days credit for time served, he would serve the sentence in a provincial jail. He would also be given a seven-year driving prohibition, be required to take personal counselling and complete 100 hours of community service.

Verma said Vermette has no prior criminal record but does have a “significant” driving record. She noted he had nine infractions for speeding, three of which were for exceeding the limit by more than 35 kilometres an hour. He also has three infractions for owning or operating an unregistered vehicle, one for an obstructed view and another for driving without due care and attention.

“In reviewing his past driving abstract, it’s almost like looking at a road map of how we got here,” Verma said in court.

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According to an agreed statement of facts, Vermette’s truck was modified to allow it to accelerate faster, and the back brakes did not work. Court documents also show the truck was unregistered and its licence plate belonged to his father’s vehicle.

Pfefferle said mitigating factors in Vermette’s case include his guilty plea and that he is considered a low risk to reoffend.

Seven victim impact statements were read in court, many of them delivered through tears.

Marcella Kyplain spoke about how her daughter Natalie Gardipy was “full of life, love, and potential,” and how she cared for those around her.

“Losing her has shattered my world,” Kyplain said.

Many of the statements focused on Gardipy’s son, who was two years old when she died, and the milestones she will miss, including teaching him to ride a bike and seeing him graduate.

“He will never know her,” said Cheyenne Charles, the father of Gardipy’s son. “He will never be held in her loving arms again.”

Brandi Keenatch wrote in her statement that after serving time Vermette will walk away, while she will not be able to walk again. Keenatch said she has lost her independence and now lives with family, while her aunt has stepped in to raise her five-year-old daughter. She also spoke about her relationship with Gardipy and the pain of not having her there for support during her recovery from the crash.

At the end of the hearing, Vermette stood and said he made a mistake and is trying to take responsibility for it.

Justice Daryl Labach reserved his decision on sentencing until June 19.

-With files from Rory MacLean