Gurinder Dhaliwal dies in Saddleridge pond crash
Gurinder Dhaliwal died after the vehicle he was driving plunged into a pond in Calgary's northeast.
Police say the 22-year-old, who was also known as Garry, failed to turn with the road and launched off Saddlehorn Drive — travelling through the air before hitting the water — around 10 p.m. Friday night in a residential area.
Bystanders attempted to save the man but were unable to complete the rescue.
Duffy Pruyn was among those looking to help, and said he saw the victim in the water in distress, but by the time he got out to him he was under water.
"I just could not find him and that was a huge disappointment," he said. "I swam around and expected to bump into him."
Pruyn said he then found the vehicle and stood on top of it until the fire department arrived.
"It's very courageous when they do that, going out of their way to help someone they don't even know," said Sgt. Trevor Cairns.
Investigation underway
Firefighters pulled Dhaliwal from the vehicle, but he succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
"He was a very nice person," said Ajay Deol, who lived in the unit above the victim's basement suite.
Police believe speed was a factor in the man's death. An investigation into the crash is underway.
Ken Nguyen, who witnessed the aftermath of the crash from his home across the street, says he would like to see a stop sign at the intersection.
"I've lived here for 10 years and I see cars ripping through this intersection and forgetting to yield," he said. "When I cross the street they forget to yield for me."
