Senior dead after crash that closed Hwy. 1 through Chilliwack, B.C.

This image from DriveBC's camera at Highway 1 and Prest Road in Chilliwack shows traffic backed up due to a serious crash on Aug. 17, 2025.

Authorities are asking witnesses to come forward as they investigate a crash in Chilliwack, B.C., that left an elderly woman dead over the weekend.

B.C. Highway Patrol said the senior was driving a grey Ford Focus east along Highway 1 when the vehicle crashed and rolled into a ditch around 12:50 p.m. Sunday.

The 74-year-old Agassiz resident, who was alone in the vehicle, died at the scene.

On Monday, Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said investigators have found “no indications of overt criminality,” but are asking for the public’s help understanding what happened.

“Police have already spoken to witnesses, but we would like to find more to ensure the investigation is appropriately thorough,” McLaughlin said in a statement.

Authorities are also hoping to find dash-cam video taken from the area of the crash, which happened between the Prest and Young road exits.

Some online commenters have speculated the driver might have been distracted by the Chilliwack Air Show, which began at 12:30 p.m. at the nearby Chilliwack Airport.

“While we are aware of this chatter and speculation, B.C. Highway Patrol will let the investigation be guided by evidence,” McLaughlin told CTV News in an email.

Distraction has not been ruled out as a possible factor, McLaughlin said.

The incident forced the temporary closure of Highway 1 eastbound on Sunday, causing significant traffic delays as emergency crews responded to the crash.

Hours later, a second collision involving a flipped truck also snarled Highway 1 traffic in both directions through Chilliwack, according to DriveBC.