‘I’m sorry’: 2 years in prison for impaired driver involved in fatal e-scooter crash in Saskatoon

A 40-year-old man has been sentenced to two years in prison for the impaired driving death of 25-year-old Austin Walker.

Saskatoon’s provincial court had to open another courtroom to accommodate all the grieving loved ones, as a sentence was handed down regarding the death of 25-year-old Austin Walker.

Wade Chaboyer, 40, will face two years in prison for killing Walker while driving impaired last summer.

Just after 3 a.m. on June 22, 2024, Walker was riding an electric scooter home from a friend’s house, where he’d been watching hockey, when he was hit and killed near the Circle Drive overpass on Warman Road.

Chaboyer fled the scene, but police soon located him due to the e-scooter still being attached to the bumper of his vehicle.

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Following his two years in prison, Chaboyer will face three years of probation alongside a five-year ban on driving and 100 hours of community service.

“People can do evil things, but at the end of the day, at their core, they’re not evil people. We still have to punish them. Society has an interest in seeing this happen and making sure people don’t do the same thing,” Ron Piche, the defense counsel said.

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The Crown did not offer comment, but more than 15 victim impact statements were read in the courtroom.

Austin Walker’s family and friends showed up to express the profound impact his death has had.

Walker was described as kind, funny, and loyal. His loved ones tearfully recalled memories of Walker being a stellar athlete and friend.

When offered an opportunity to address the court, Chaboyer said, “I’m sorry.”