PORT ANGELES — The family of Darrell Campbell, killed in a two-vehicle wreck on state Highway 112 on Thursday, held a prayer ceremony for the Ahousaht First Nation member Friday at the crash site.
As many as 113 people, including relatives and members of North Olympic Peninsula and Canadian tribes, visited the site near Sands Road that day, laying flowers and performing prayers, said Pat John, a nephew of Campbell.
Law enforcement stopped traffic on the highway while the prayers were conducted, John said.
An Isuzu Rodeo driven by 48-year-old Steve W. Boyd of Port Angeles, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time, struck the Ford Ranger carrying Campbell and two relatives at 8:11 a.m.
John of Port Angeles said the family is “hurt and sad” due to Campbell’s death, particularly since he would go out of his way to keep people from driving while under the influence.
“He was always the designated driver,” John said, adding that his uncle abstained from drinking.
“He was always helping other family members.”
Campbell, 49, was a fisheries manager for the Ahousaht tribe, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island about 135 miles northwest of Victoria.
John said his uncle was traveling to Neah Bay for a fisheries meeting with the Makah tribe.
Makah Tribal Council Chairman Micah McCarty said Thursday that the tribe was saddened by the death.
He could not be reached for additional comment Saturday.
Travelling with Darrell Campbell was his brother, Angus Campbell, and niece, Sophie Campbell.
The Campbells are all from Ahousat, British Columbia.
They also planned to celebrate Makah Days with the tribe, John said.
Sophie Campbell, 18, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
John said she was responsive Saturday after going through surgery earlier that day.
Angus Campbell, the driver, was recovering from a fractured hip and femur at Olympic Medical Center, he said.
A hospital spokesperson said Saturday that he was in stable condition.
An earlier report from the State Patrol had said Angus Campbell was airlifted to Harborview.
John said Angus Campbell tried to swerve out of the way of the other vehicle, which police said caused the wreck by crossing the centerline.
“He tried to swerve and swerve . . . and they connected,” he said.
John said the Makah and Lower Elwha Klallam tribes have provided food and housing for the family and other members of the Ahousaht and Vancouver Island tribes who came to Port Angeles after the wreck.
The family plans to return to Canada with Darrell Campbell’s remains today, he said.
Donations to the family have been made, but John said he was not sure of the amount.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the family or provide other assistance can phone him at 360-460-8957.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
