Man avoids jail for fatal Surrey crash

A man responsible for a fatal 2024 impaired driving crash in Surrey will not serve additional jail time. Michael Gordon Bovencamp, 46, received a probation sentence, a driving ban, and a $1,500 fine for the incident that killed 33-year-old Saraj Singh.

Singh, a husband and father, had recently relocated to Canada from India with his wife and son, seeking a better future. His wife, Nardeep Kaur, described his death as "sudden, violent, and completely preventable," stating that "every day since has felt like a struggle to breathe."

On Oct. 5, 2024, Surrey RCMP responded to a collision near 144 Street and Hyland Drive. Bovencamp's Ford F350 crossed into oncoming traffic, hitting two pedestrians. Singh died at the scene, while the other pedestrian sustained serious injuries.

During court proceedings, Bovencamp stated he consumed cannabis the morning of the collision. However, blood tests indicated his THC levels were just below the legal driving limit, with no signs of intoxication. The court heard that Bovencamp likely experienced a medical emergency while driving.

Bovencamp pleaded guilty to a lesser charge under the Motor Vehicle Act. His sentence includes 18 months of probation and a one-year driving ban.

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His death was sudden, violent, and completely preventable, and it destroyed the life we had built together. Every day since has felt like a struggle to breathe.