A head-on collision on West Saanich Road at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, left a newly married woman with catastrophic injuries after her northbound vehicle was struck by a southbound vehicle in the 5300 block. Miranda Shaffer was transported to hospital in critical condition before being airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital, where her brother, Marty Milner, stated she is undergoing major surgeries for a brain bleed, two broken bones in her neck, a fractured hand and foot, and multiple lacerations. Saanich Police reported that the driver of the southbound vehicle appeared uninjured, refused to provide a breath sample, and was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.
Major crime unit takes over collision investigation
Detectives with the Saanich Police Major Crime Unit have taken over the investigation and anticipate recommending criminal charges to Crown counsel. Officers responding to the scene found that the southbound vehicle had collided head-on with the northbound vehicle driven by Miranda Shaffer. Her husband, Josh Shaffer, was a passenger in the vehicle and was able to crawl out of the wreck after the crash, though he sustained a chest injury and is now terribly traumatized, according to family statements reported by Victoria Buzz and Marty Milner. The driver of the southbound vehicle refused a lawful demand to provide a breath sample and was arrested at the scene.
Did You Know? Miranda and Josh Shaffer were married just months before the October 27 collision, having tied the knot in May.
Newlyweds face catastrophic injuries from head-on crash
Family members report that Miranda Shaffer’s injuries have entirely altered the newlyweds’ lives following their May wedding. Marty Milner noted that Miranda lacks the ability to breathe independently at present, faces the strong likelihood of never walking again, and may permanently lose upper body function. An online GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Milner had collected more than $71,000 of its $100,000 goal by Thursday morning to help cover medical treatment and financial impacts. Brentwood Bay enterprise Shallon Naturals, run by Miranda alongside her mother, was noted by Victoria Buzz as facing a potential temporary shutdown while she undergoes rehabilitation.
Police seek information about grey Chevrolet Silverado
Saanich Police are actively seeking information regarding a specific vehicle involved in the lead-up to the collision. Detectives want to speak with anyone who saw a grey 2003 four-door Chevrolet Silverado 4×4 anywhere on the Saanich Peninsula or southern Gulf Islands on Tuesday, October 27. The truck features a distinctive rack in its bed that extends over the rear portion of the cab. Anyone who witnessed the crash, possesses dashcam footage, or holds relevant details is encouraged to contact the Saanich Police non-emergency line at 250-475-4321 while citing file 26-21541.
Details regarding the crash injuries and police investigation
What vehicle was Miranda Shaffer driving during the crash?
Miranda Shaffer was driving a northbound vehicle on West Saanich Road with her husband, Josh Shaffer, as a passenger when the head-on collision occurred.
What specific injuries did Miranda Shaffer sustain?
According to her family, Miranda Shaffer suffered a brain bleed, two broken bones in her neck, a fractured hand, a fractured foot, and multiple lacerations, leaving her unable to breathe independently.
How can the public assist the Saanich Police investigation?
Detectives are asking anyone who saw a grey 2003 four-door Chevrolet Silverado 4×4 with a distinctive bed rack on the Saanich Peninsula or southern Gulf Islands on October 27 to call 250-475-4321 and reference file 26-21541.
How might the ongoing Saanich Police Major Crime Unit investigation and anticipated Crown counsel review shape accountability for the events of October 27 on West Saanich Road?
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