VANCOUVER — A Vancouver man who killed two UBC students by driving on a campus sidewalk two years ago has pleaded guilty.
Tim Carl Robert Goerner, 22, was charged with two counts each of impaired driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and impaired driving.
Goerner pleaded guilty on Oct. 16 to two counts of dangerous driving causing death, the B.C. Prosecution Service said Tuesday.
A sentencing hearing is set for Nov. 6.
Evan Smith and Emily Selwood, both 18, were walking along Marine Drive near Totem Park student residence just before 1:45 a.m. on Sept. 26, 2021, when they were struck by a vehicle that had veered off the road.
Selwood grew up on Vancouver Island and studied social sciences at UBC. Her parents described her as an avid rower and a kind and compassionate soul who loved spending time in the outdoors.
“She did not deserve to be the victim of such a senseless act,” said Selwood’s parents Laurie and Duncan Selwood in an earlier statement provided to RCMP.
“Our family’s hope is that the individual responsible will be brought to justice on fact and evidence with a successful conviction; however, that will not bring Emily and Evan back.”
Smith, a student in applied science and engineering, was described by his parents as an avid rock climber, drummer and volunteer with Scouts Canada. His family described him as a “wonderful son and brother” who would be remembered for his positive attitude and humility.
He was killed just steps from his university residence.
— With files from Cheryl Chan
