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
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.