Title: Kelowna Teen Homicide: Driver Arrested and Charged
By Jen Zielinski, Kelowna Capital News
Date: September 6, 2024
Kelowna, BC – In a tragic turn of events, the Kelowna RCMP have announced the arrest and charging of a suspect in the homicide of a teenage victim. The incident, which occurred almost a year ago, has been a focal point of local and community concern following the teen’s untimely death.
On October 21, 2023, Tristan Seegar, a 15-year-old from Kelowna, was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Houghton and Franklyn Roads. The collision followed a bear spray incident in the area earlier that day. Despite being transported to Kelowna General Hospital in critical condition, Seegar succumbed to his injuries.
The RCMP promptly began an investigation into the teenager’s death, ultimately classifying it as a homicide. Their thorough investigation led to the arrest of Brandon Kazakoff, a 30-year-old man, on September 6, 2024. Kazakoff has been charged with dangerous operation causing death, failure to stop or remain at the scene of an accident, and assault with a weapon in relation to the October 21 incident.
The arrest of Kazakoff marks the second time in a week that a British Columbia driver has faced charges in a case involving the alleged intentional striking of teenagers. On September 3, Michael Brian Gerty, an 85-year-old man from Abbotsford, was charged with one count of dangerous driving and three counts of assault with a weapon in connection with an incident in February where two teenagers were struck by a vehicle. Thankfully, the boys involved in this case sustained only minor injuries.
In the wake of the tragedy, a vigil was held for Tristan Seegar at Ben Lee Park on October 22, 2023. Approximately 200 people gathered to pay their respects to the young victim. His mother, Paule Seeger, addressed the crowd, describing her son as a social butterfly who was deeply loved by many.
The Kelowna community continues to mourn the loss of Tristan Seegar and seeks justice for the untimely death. As the case unfolds, the public remains hopeful that the legal system will deliver a fair and just outcome for all those affected.
For more information on this story, visit Kelowna Capital News.
Note: This article is a fictionalized account based on the provided information.
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