Pedestrian killed by semi near Banff was facing child pornography charges
A pedestrian hit and killed by a semi-trailer on the Trans-Canada Highway near Banff was facing child pornography charges, CTV News has learned.
The crash happened on Highway 1 near the Banff Avenue exit just after 5 p.m. on Monday, closing the area to motorists for several hours.
Banff RCMP say the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
He's since been identified as 51-year-old Harvie Heights resident Mark Troy Burnett.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams' (ALERT) internet child exploitation unit (ICE) confirms Burnett was arrested on April 20 and charged with distribution, possessing and accessing child pornography.
ICE spokesperson Michael Tucker says Canmore RCMP assisted with the arrest, seizing a number of computers and electronic devices from his home for forensic analysis.
Burnett was an associate professor at Calgary's Mount Royal University.
In a statement, the university said it was "unaware of his death and the criminal charges he was facing prior to media reports today."
"The university’s concern now is with potential victims and with Troy Burnett’s family."
Burnett was scheduled to appear in court for his election and plea on June 7.
Investigators believe Burnett walked into the path of the semi when he was killed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.