Dugan Ingram, 63, pleaded guilty in a Victoria provincial court on Tuesday to driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention after running a red light and fatally striking 68-year-old cyclist Sylvie Argouarch on July 28, 2025.
Court Details the Fatal Collision on Quadra Street
Prosecutor Sofia Green told the court that Argouarch, a geriatric psychiatrist, had stopped at the crosswalk, pressed the button, and waited for the bicycle light to turn green before proceeding across the Lochside Trail intersection on Quadra Street. Six seconds passed between the light turning green and Argouarch being struck by Ingram’s northbound GMC Sierra pick-up truck in the right-hand lane.
Green stated that Ingram made no attempt to brake before the impact. A collision analyst determined that the primary contributing factor was the driver’s failure to stop at the red signal.
Did You Know? The fatal collision was captured on video by the Quadra Street Bottle Depot and witnessed by two cyclists riding behind Argouarch, a driver behind Ingram’s truck, an oncoming driver, and an off-duty police officer who was walking in the area.
Family shares grief over fatal crash
Green reported that Ingram told someone at the scene immediately after the crash: Oh my God, this is terrible. This is terrible. I was thinking about my mother. I just visited her in hospital, and I just can’t believe it.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Green read a victim impact statement from the victim’s daughter, Lizu Aitken, who was 20 when her mother was killed. There’s now always a piece of me that doesn’t feel complete,
Aitken said, describing the difficult decision she and her father made days after the crash to remove Argouarch from life support.
Argouarch’s husband, Hugh Aitken, told the court that his wife drew everyone together with fun, activity, and phone calls, maintaining a demanding schedule as a dedicated geriatric psychiatrist. Ingram also addressed the court during the hearing, stating that he is incredibly sorry and that not a day goes by that he does not think of Argouarch.
Crown seeks two-year driving ban for Ingram
The Crown asked the court for a two-year driving prohibition and a $2,000 fine for Ingram. Court records show Ingram has 22 driving infractions on his record, which include speeding and failure to obey a traffic signal, alongside six prior driving prohibitions.
Defence lawyer Jordan Watt suggested a one-year prohibition instead. Watt noted that Ingram’s last infraction occurred a decade ago, many of his past infractions stemmed from failing to wear a seatbelt, and his last driving prohibition was more than 25 years ago. Watt added that Ingram lives on Salt Spring Island and works in the construction industry, meaning a driving prohibition could affect his ability to work.
Dugan Ingram pleads guilty to driving without due care
What offense did Dugan Ingram plead guilty to?
Ingram pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle without due care and attention, an offense under the Motor Vehicle Act, in connection with the July 28, 2025 crash.
What were the Crown and defense sentencing recommendations?
The Crown requested a two-year driving prohibition and a $2,000 fine, while defense lawyer Jordan Watt suggested a one-year driving prohibition.
When will Dugan Ingram be sentenced?
A sentencing date has not yet been set by the provincial court in Victoria.
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