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Two dead in head-on collision

A tragic head-on collision occurring a few miles south of Rimbey on Highway 20 early July 17 morning proved deadly for both drivers.

A tragic head-on collision occurring a few miles south of Rimbey on Highway 20 early July 17 morning proved deadly for both drivers.

RCMP Sgt. Mark Groves said 30-year-old Jason Stout of Rimbey was killed when the vehicle he was driving collided with a minivan being driven by a 36-year-old Red Deer man. The deceased Red Deer man’s name is not being released without the family’s permission, said Groves.

Both men were dead when the emergency crews arrived on the scene, said Groves.

The officer said Rimbey RCMP and emergency crews responded to the collision on the ‘S’ curves by Parkland Beach Road at about 5:30 a.m.

Groves said a RCMP collision analyst was called in to assist the Rimbey RCMP and it was determined that the Red Deer man, who was driving south, had crossed over the centre line, striking the northbound four-door car driven by Stout.

Groves said the southbound driver may have been distracted, as it appears he was eating at the time of the accident.

The highway was closed for five hours following the accident. Alcohol was not a factor and road conditions were good.

Russ Watts, Infrastructure Manager for Alberta Transportation said Highway 20 near Rimbey experiences a vehicle county of 3,200 vehicles a day.

While he said many two-lane highways in Alberta experience higher counts, he noted the highway is moderately busy.

Groves said Rimbey RCMP has increased officer presence along the highway.

He encourages drivers to be alert and pay attention. “It is so important to be alert at all times. For one thing, you never know when a deer can jump out in front of you.”

He said Rimbey RCMP has increased officer presence along the highway.