Almost 16 months after the RCMP began investigating the death of Cape Breton
musician John Morris Rankin, the force announced that no charges will be laid.
"In consultation with public prosecutors, we did not find any evidence of a
deliberate criminal act," RCMP Const. Brad Parks said Monday in a telephone
interview from Port Hawkesbury.
Mr. Rankin, 40, died Jan. 16, 2000, after his sport utility vehicle went out of
control while he was driving along Highway 219 near Whale Cove to a hockey game
in Cheticamp.
The vehicle, carrying three teenagers, including his son Michael, plunged down a
25-metre cliff into the ocean.
The boys escaped, but Mr. Rankin died in the crash.
The RCMP had investigated reports that a Transportation Department plow spilled
a pile of salt along the stretch of highway, moments before the crash.
Some said Mr. Rankin lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid the pile.
Part of the police investigation, which included accident reconstructions by
RCMP accident investigators and a forensic engineer, concentrated on the
mechanics of the plow and Mr. Rankin's vehicle.
After a 12-month investigation, RCMP turned the case over to the Crown in
January.
"Why did it take so long? One reason was because it was John Morris Rankin,"
Const. Parks said. "We also wanted to look at all the circumstances and try to
reconstruct what happened.
"We worked with a lot of people to make sure all the evidence was before us."
The police findings were delivered last Thursday to Sally Rankin, the victim's
widow.
Const. Parks didn't have the full report in front of him Monday and so couldn't
comment on its contents.
Plow operator John Archie Chisholm could not be reached for comment. He was
still on compassionate leave earlier this year.
Although charges won't be laid, Const. Parks said that "doesn't change the fact
that (it was) a tragic motor vehicle accident."
"Was there negligence?" Const. Parks later asked. "We couldn't say."
The community policing constable said Monday's announcement marked a "tough day"
for members of Mr. Rankin's family and those who knew the talented musician,
including Const. Parks.
Members of Mr. Rankin's family, including his widow, brother Ronnie and sister
Raylene, could not be reached for comment.
The family has said it may sue the province over his death. (More on The Rankin Family)
