Man accused of crashing van into Alberta school has charges upgraded after 11-year-old dies of injuries

Chris Purdy, Canadian Press | Oct 29, 2012 1:34 PM ET | Last Updated: Oct 29, 2012 1:46 PM ET
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THE CANADIAN PRESS/St.Paul Journal-Ryan McCracken Rescue workers help an injured child after a minivan crashed into a school in St.Paul, Alta., Thursday, Oct.25, 2012. 

 

ST. PAUL, Alta. — A charge has been upgraded against a man accused of crashing his minivan into an Alberta school.

Richard Edward Benson was initially charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, resisting arrest and possession of marijuana.

But one of the students who was seriously injured in the crash died Friday, so Benson now faces a charge of dangerous driving causing death.

The minivan crashed through the window of Racette Junior High School in St. Paul last Thursday, sending several Grade 6 French students to hospital.

Family members have said Benson had been suffering seizures in recent months and they believe he may have had one behind the wheel right before the crash.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/St.Paul Journal-Ryan McCracken Police escort Richard Benson after his minivan crashed into a school in St.Paul, Alta., Thursday, Oct.25, 2012.

 

Benson was wearing an eye patch and appeared dishevelled and tired in a St. Paul courtroom Monday.

About a dozen people were in the gallery. Benson appeared to have supporters sitting behind him. On the other side of the gallery, one woman wiped away tears.

The 46-year-old was due back in court later in the day and was expected to ask Judge Kathleen Williams for bail. The Crown said it would oppose his release and ask for a psychological assessment.

Three students, all girls with critical injuries, had to be airlifted 200 kilometres to Edmonton after the crash. Family confirmed 11-year-old Megan Wolitski died on Friday.

Benson’s brother, Walter Benson, has said family members who have spoken with the man in jail say he dropped his children off at school that morning and blacked out right before his van left an alley and drove through a fence and into a classroom.

Police have said Benson was combative with officers during his arrest at the school. Investigators have said they are waiting for blood tests to determine if he will also be charged with impaired driving.

Members of Megan Wolitski’s family say she wanted to be a teacher, like her mother.
Sheldon Oberg confirmed that his niece was the girl who died following last Thursday’s incident in the community of St. Paul.

The family has released a statement that says Megan had a passion for dancing, especially ballet and jazz, and was also a swimmer.

“Our precious Megan was taken from us. We are devastated by this loss. She was a beautiful, smart, and caring girl,” the statement from her family says.

“We would like Megan to be remembered for the incredible girl that she was. She loved her family and loved to take care of her sister and baby cousins,” it continues.

“She touched so many lives with her kindness. On behalf of her family, we thank you for your thoughts and prayers.”

The family also asks people to pray for her injured classmates.

A vigil took place outside the school Friday night.

The school board says it is providing counselling at its high school in the community this weekend for students and families affected by the tragedy.