Vernon father killed in car crash over long weekend

At 5 p.m. on Sunday, Darin Des Rocheswas missing from a family gathering in Lumby, B.C.,about 25 kilometres east of Vernon.

"Darin was never late for family get-togethers and he didn't show up," saidShawn Wilde, the uncle of Des Roches's six-year-old daughter Nova.

Shortly after 5 p.m., Nova's great-uncle receiveda notification on his phone from his doorbell camera, alerting him that someone was on the doorstep of his Vernon home. The RCMP were there to tell himDarin Des Roches, 52, had died in a car accident.

The RCMP said in a statement that they are still investigating the collision, but their initial investigation found that a truck heading weston the Highway 6,allegedly crossed the centre line, colliding with a carheading east.

The driver of the truck was taken to a nearby hospitaland treated for minor injuries, police said.Des Rocheswas driving the smaller vehicle and died at the scene.

Tragic Loss

Nova Des Roches's great-aunt and uncle had been caring for the girlpart-time since her mom died three years ago, Wilde toldRadio Westhost Sarah Penton.

The family is now trying to do everything they can to support her with the loss of her second parent.

"We have a strong family unit,"said Wilde.

"She's the sweetest little girl. Her smile just brightens up the room. She's so caring."

Good father and hard worker

Des Roches worked as a delivery man for a local glass company in Vernon.

He struggled with the loss of his wife, but cared for his daughter and was a hard worker,said Wilde.

"He was a good father."