Driver in Canada car crash that killed Filipina activist charged with impaired driving

Marcelina Agulay, left, died after a late-night crash in North Vancouver. Her husband, Leonilo Agulay who was with her in the car, died about three months later. BETH DOLLAGA/FACEBOOK

The driver of a car involved in a North Vancouver, Canada vehicular crash that killed a Filipina community activist has been charged for allegedly driving drunk.

Tragically, the victim Marcelina Agulay’s husband, Leonilo, a passenger who survived life-threatening injuries in the March 2, 2021 crash, died three months later. Leonilo worked at Walmart, and his wife had picked him up the night of the crash.

Now, Andre Matthew Lukat, 46, faces charges of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, impaired operation of a vehicle causing death, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm, and impaired operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm. Lukat crossed the center line, leading to the crash.

“They were just trying to get home. They were just trying to get home,” the Agulays’ nephew, Jo Cumigad, told CBC on Friday, March 18. The Agulays’ son Leomar Agulay is still too despondent to talk to the press.

Friends and relatives of the family welcomed news of the charges against Lukat but hope that the charges would include Leonilo’s death.

A spokesperson of the B.C. Prosecution Service wouldn’t speak to specifics of the case, but said in an emailed statement that “the Crown has to prove every element of an offence beyond a reasonable doubt.”

“Impaired driving exacts a devastating cost,” said Beth Dollaga, who worked with Marcelina Agulay on political and community campaigns mainly supporting Filipino migrants. She hopes authorities will work harder to prevent it.

Lukat’s first court appearance is scheduled March 30.