Cold Lake RCMP apologizes to Wells family for inaccurate information involving fatal Collison on Elizabeth Metis Settlement

The Cold Lake RCMP would like to apologize for the inaccurate information provided to the family of Ms. Priscilla M Wells of Elizabeth Métis Settlement. Wells was tragically killed at the age of 49-years-old and one person has been charged and convicted in relation to the accident.

On Aug. 23, 2020, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment received a report of a collision between a car and a lawnmower on Bates Lake Road in the Elizabeth Metis Settlement. The female driver of the lawnmower, Wells, from Elizabeth Metis Settlement was pronounced dead at the scene. The adult female driver and passenger of the car were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Early on in the investigation, responding officers believed and reported the vehicles were travelling in the opposite direction resulting in a head-on collision. As a result of the report released by the RCMP Collision Reconstructionist, it was later determined that this was not the case and the vehicles were in fact travelling in the same direction. The operator of the lawnmower was determined to be travelling westbound on the shoulder of the westbound lane when she was struck from behind.

As a result of the collision, an individual was charged and convicted of offences contrary to the Traffic Safety Act.

The Cold Lake RCMP would like to apologize to the family and friends of the deceased as well as the community of Elizabeth Metis Settlement who were impacted by the release of inaccurate information.