Guilty plea entered on charges laid by Clarenville RCMP in 2024 double fatal crash on TCH near Arnold’s Cove

At a court appearance held on April 17, 2025, in Clarenville, 72-year-old Austin Deir of Mt. Pearl entered a guilty plea to two counts of dangerous operation causing death. These charges were laid by Clarenville RCMP in relation to a fatal collision that occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway on January 21, 2024. Two women, both aged 22 years, died as a result of the collision.

Sentencing for the convictions of dangerous operation causing death has been set for October 31, 2025.

Background:

Clarenville RCMP investigates fatal collision on TCH near Arnold's Cove, impaired driving investigation underway | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)

Clarenville RCMP reports second fatality as a result of collision on TCH near Arnold's Cove; investigation continues | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)

Update: Blood sample of driver involved in double fatal collision on TCH near Arnold's Cove processed by RCMP Forensic Assessment Centre | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)