Expat killed after horror plunge into icy reservoir

The Ford Escape lies submerged in the freezing water in Alberta, killing Capital man Roddy Allan, below, and two others

James Roderick "Roddy" Allan, 43, was killed after the Ford Escape skidded on ice and plunged into the Spray Lakes Reservoir in Alberta.

The father-of-two died along with his brother-in-law, Darrin Waugh, and his wife, Jennifer, both 39 and from Calgary. Mr Allan's common-law wife, Jaimie Waugh, 33, was the only survivor after members of the public rushed to help those stuck in the stricken vehicle.

Sue Remmer, the family's spokeswoman, said: "(Jaimie is] being strong for her kids. It is just such an unreal time and we're just trying to get through each day.

"She's lost everything to her and to be the only one to survive such a tragic accident, she just feels guilt and sadness, and loss and despair. She's empty."

Ms Remmer said the group were on their way home when the accident occurred.

"They had had a beautiful day," she said. "We've seen photos of this beautiful day that they had spent together and they were all amazing people."

More than 700 family members and friends held a church service this week for Mr Allan, who emigrated from Scotland to Canada in 1996, and the other two victims.

Speaking during the service, Roddy's brother-in-law, Ken MacLeod, described Mr Allan as a man with "an enormous appetite for life".

He studied art in Edinburgh and made frequent trips back to the Capital, where it is understood he still had family links, during breaks from his work in the restaurant and hospitality business.

Outside the auditorium, Roddy's rugby jersey was laid out, while his photographs of the Rocky Mountains were set out on easels. Witnesses have reported that the vehicle may have hit a patch of ice before hitting the bank and careering over the edge into the reservoir where it plunged through the ice, sinking into about two metres of water.

The crash happened on December 30 after the party of four had spent the day snowshoeing.

The three bodies were pulled out of the underwater wreckage by passing motorists who stopped to help and emergency crews who rushed to the scene.

Around a dozen of the rescuers who fought to save the family members trapped in the vehicle attended the church service in Calgary and were given a standing ovation by the mourners.

Roddy is survived by Jaimie, sons Oliver and Rylen, and parents Hamish and Margaret.