The communities of Kuujjuarapik and Whapmagoostui are in mourning as two Elders were struck by a snowmobile March 14. Mina Tooktoo Meeko died instantly from her injuries. Mary Angatookalook Fleming was rushed to the Montreal General Hospital but succumbed to her wounds the following morning.
Family members say that Meeko, 70, and Fleming, 73, were on their way home from their evening sewing circle when the accident happened.
Surete du Quebec spokesperson Marie-Josie Ouellett confirmed the driver of the snowmobile was Rickie Weetaltuk, from Kuujjuarapik.
Weetaltuk, 20, was immediately arrested by the Kuujjuarapik Regional Police Service and later charged with hit-and-run as well as drunk driving causing death.
It is not known if narcotics were also a factor in the incident.
Weetaltuk is currently being held at the Amos Detention Centre.
A court date for the accused is yet to be determined.
