Man charged in connection with fatal vehicle collision

LACOMBE COUNTY -- RCMP have charged a 49-year-old after an investigation into a fatal vehicle collision south of Bentley.

The crash occurred shortly before 7:00 p.m. on May 16, 2026, at the intersection of Asplund Road and Highway 20 in Lacombe County. Officers with the Sylvan Lake RCMP detachment responded to the scene and discovered that a Jeep Grand Cherokee had collided with a Chevrolet Silverado.

With the assistance of Sylvan Lake Fire Department, the driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet was extricated from the vehicle. Due to the injuries sustained, the driver, a 65-year-old Red Deer resident, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Through their investigation, police determined the westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee had collided with the southbound Chevrolet in the controlled intersection. Alcohol and speed were noted as contributing factors to the collision.

"Once again, this is a tragic reminder that operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol places all motoring public at grave risk. If you choose to drink, make the choice to not operate any motor vehicle," said Staff Sgt. Jay Peden. "As the summer months are upon us, take the time to plan. This loss of life, as with other fatal collisions are preventable. Driving a motor vehicle takes concentration to the roadways, traffic control devices such as stop signs, posted speed limits, and other vehicles around you."

The 49-year-old driver of the Jeep, Zainul Puzhakkal of Calgary, was charged with the following offences:

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death
• Operate a Motor Vehicle while impaired with a blood alcohol level at or over 80 mg % causing death

Puzhakkal is set to make his first appearance at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on July 9, 2026.