Skip to content

Sechelt man charged in ATV accident

Nicholas Sean Forster, 19, of Sechelt was charged July 14 with dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop at an accident causing death in relation to Friday's collision that killed 21-year-old Shelby Rowland.

Nicholas Sean Forster, 19, of Sechelt was charged July 14 with dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop at an accident causing death in relation to Friday's collision that killed 21-year-old Shelby Rowland.

"It had been learned through the police investigation that Forster had allegedly initially left the scene of the collision, only to return prior to police arrival," detachment spokesperson Cpl. Steven Chubey confirmed Wednesday morning.

After being held in custody, Forster appeared at Sechelt provincial court, July 16, and was released on terms of recognizance. Conditions limited him to driving only to and from work during business hours. His next scheduled appearance was set for Aug. 15.

According to a friend of the family, Shelby was riding as a passenger on the ATV with her sister, Lindsay, when it was struck by the SUV. The collision occurred around 5:30 p.m. July 13 in the area of the Mason Road mine site in West Sechelt.

RCMP said the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions when they collided at a curve along the forest service road. The SUV had struck the rear of the all-terrain vehicle.

RCMP issued a statement on July 14 that said alcohol was not considered a factor in the incident; however, excessive speed was being investigated.

Chubey said the sisters were wearing their helmets.

Members of the Rowland family chose not to comment on the recent charges or the events of July 13. An obituary they released described Shelby as having a passion for simplicity.

"Her time with us was far too brief, but she left a lasting memory that will be with us always," they wrote. "We will hold on to her shy smile, her fiery love of her family and, especially, her wonderful laugh."

They asked that donations to the SPCA would be appropriate in lieu of flowers.

Marion Chabot, the mother of Shelby's common-law partner, Nic, said she had known her since 2004.

"She was thinking of doing some veterinary assistant's training. She volunteered whenever she could," Chabot said. "She was just too young."

News of Shelby's death "devastated" colleagues at the Pharmasave in Sechelt, where she had worked for about three years.

"She is irreplaceable, just a wonderful girl," owner Lynn Kennedy said on Monday. "She was loving, caring, just a wonderful girl she just bubbled with personality, with everybody. She was so good with customers."

Kennedy said staff members had received the news with great difficulty.

"Everybody's trying to pull together," she said. "They're pulling together, really trying hard. I guess yesterday [Sunday] was really tough with people asking all the time."

A tribute to Shelby on Facebook received numerous messages of condolence from members of the community throughout the week.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 1 p.m. today (Friday) at Coopers Green in Halfmoon Bay.

"Please bring finger food, a casual attitude and your best smiles," the family requested. "It is how Shelby would have wanted it.