By rdnewsNOW staff

Local tragedy

RCMP lay charges in fatal Red Deer crash

Aug 14, 2025 | 11:39 AM

Red Deer RCMP have charged a man allegedly responsible for the death of a 46-year-old Red Deer woman in a collision that happened Tuesday afternoon.

Red Deer County resident Ryan Allan Bell, 33, has been charged with impaired driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death, failure to stop after an accident causing death, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000, and break and enter.

Police say after a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, the accused was remanded into custody and will appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Aug. 20.

RCMP have also released the identity of the deceased, Shelley Thornton.

According to the Local CUPE 417 website, Thornton served as the treasurer with CUPE 417 and was an employee with the City of Red Deer for over 10 years where she worked as an administration clerk for municipal policing services.

Colleges and polytechnics

RDP and Olds College ranked among top 50 research institutions in Canada

5h ago

Christmas Tradition

CPKC Holiday train to arrive in central Alberta on Dec. 8

7h ago

Near Millet

Wetaskiwin RCMP respond to fatal collision on Highway 814

8h ago

The City of Red Deer released a brief statement Thursday.

“The City of Red Deer wants to acknowledge this tragic incident and offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individual who lost her life this week. Our thoughts are with you,” they wrote.

Meantime, CUPE 417 president Deborah Schaan said in an emailed statement she was devastated by the loss.

“Shelley was a part of our union family for over 10 years and served as our secretary treasurer since May of last year. Her role was a volunteer position, illustrating her commitment to our union and to the wider labour movement in Alberta,” Schaan wrote.

“Her analytical approach and incredible eye for detail were invaluable. She truly helped our union do more for our members. Outside of her work, she was a fantastic person and a good friend. We’ll never forget her light and warmth, or her love of all things Disney. We extend our sympathies and condolences to Shelley’s family in this hard time. We’ll do anything we can to support you. Rest in peace, Shelley. We’ll never forget you.”

(Red Deer RCMP Detachment/Facebook)

The collision took place near 40 Avenue and 22 Street in Red Deer at approximately 4:21 p.m. on Aug. 12. Police allege that while an SUV was making a turn, an individual driving a stolen truck and travelling at a high rate of speed collided with the SUV.

According to RCMP, the accused then attempted to steal vehicles of those who stopped to help the victim, and did in fact end up stealing an SUV. The suspect later crashed the vehicle on 39 Street and fled on foot but was quickly located by police and arrested.

The collision caused a traffic disruption for several hours while RCMP along with the Collision Reconstructionist investigated.

Police explained in their initial release that speed and drugs were believed to be contributing factors.

Read More: Man sentenced for attempted gunpoint robbery at Blackfalds Motor Inn