Surrey man killed in Coquihalla crash identified as 24-year-old newly approved for permanent residency

The Surrey man killed in a head-on collision on the Coquihalla Highway has been identified as 24-year-old Jaskeerat Singh Naukhria. Police say the two-vehicle crash happened near Merritt at about 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17, and that speed and impairment are suspected factors.

An online fundraiser in Naukhria’s name is seeking $100,000 for “funeral and memorial expenses, related costs, and providing financial support to our family during this incredibly difficult period.” The fundraising website says his sudden death “has left our family, friends, and everyone who knew him heartbroken.” A photo on the site appears to show Naukhria at Vancouver International Airport. A GoFundMe representative said he received approval for permanent residency last week.

Naukhria was travelling in a white Toyota Rav 4 with three friends. All three were hospitalized, and two were in critical condition. The four people were between 24 and 38 years old.

BC Highway Patrol said in a news release Monday that it responded to multiple complaints about a vehicle travelling southbound in the northbound lanes. Witnesses told police a black Toyota Tacoma entered Highway 5 near Lac Le Jeune. Police say the truck’s lone occupant, a 22-year-old man from Coldwater, had minor injuries and was detained on suspicion of impaired driving.

Police are asking witnesses and anyone with dash-cam video to help investigators determine what happened. Contact BC Highway Patrol-Kamloops at 250-828-3111 and quote file number (2100) 2026-2997.