Columbia Valley Pioneer staff 

It was a tough Monday in the courtroom for the families of three young men who lost their lives in a tragic motor vehicle incident in Wilmer last summer.

Emotion ran high during the scheduled first appearance for Haley Watson who is facing six charges including impaired driving and dangerous driving causing death. 

The July 9, 2024 incident occurred on Westside Road where a vehicle drove down an embankment, leaving the driver with serious injuries. The three male passengers (Gavin Murray, Jackson Freeman, and Brady Tardif) were pronounced deceased.

Watson chose not to appear in court on January 13, but was represented by duty (legal) counsel. As such, the case was delayed to give the accused and her lawyer time to review the charges. Watson’s next court appearance is February 10.

Family members fought back tears in the courtroom as they waited for the wheels of justice to slowly turn. 

Amanda Murray, the mother of Gavin Murray, told the Pioneer how disappointed she was that Watson did not appear in the courtroom. Murray believes that Watson has not shown any remorse since the accident. 

“If it was me, if I was driving that vehicle, I would have gone to the families . . . because accidents happen . . . (but) this could have been prevented, she made the choice. It’s just a lot of disappointment on top of grief.”

Since the death of her 21-year-old son, Murray has tried to maintain her poise and keep herself busy. She described Gavin as an outgoing individual, an “old soul” who loved fishing and hunting.

“He had a heart of gold and would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He would help out strangers for no reason if he thought they needed help.”

Gavin had been a roofer for five years and enjoyed construction work. 

“He wanted to stick with the trades because he loved to work with his hands,” Murray recalled, adding how amazing he was with small engines. For example, he would bring home three or four broken motorbikes and build a new one.

Murray expressed her gratitude for the community support and to Amy Lange, victim services program coordinator who has been helping the family during this difficult time.