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In memory of Clayton, Joan

A celebration of life for a Cranbrook fire captain and his wife, who were tragically killed in a serious motor vehicle incident, was held on Saturday.

Clayton Murrell and Joan MacKinnon, both 51, were travelling on Highway 3 between Cranbrook and Yahk on Feb. 3, when a tractor trailer collided head-on with their pickup truck hauling a horse trailer.

The incident took place at about 9 a.m. when the tractor-trailer is believed to have hit black ice and jackknifed, sliding into the eastbound lane.

Murrell, a Fire Captain, Local 1253 Union President and BCPFFA Vice-President Kootenay Region, died at the scene.

The passenger in the truck was MacKinnon who was extracted and transported to Kelowna General Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries with family by her side.

A 59-year-old man from Edmonton who was driving the tractor-trailer was ejected and died at the scene.

Two horses inside the trailer also died.

Family of Murrell and MacKinnon invited friends and colleagues of the two to join the celebration of life that took place at 2:30 p.m.

Donations can be made to BC Burn Fund and Pine Ridge Roping Club in memory of Murrell and in memory of MacKinnon to a Cranbrook Special Olympics Swim Team fund.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy can also be sent by email at [email protected].



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