Marco Corbin. (Photo supplied)
Coming face to face with the man charged with killing his talented and popular teenage son almost four years ago is going to be one of the toughest things Bob Corbin has ever done.
Marco Corbin, 18, was killed instantly while tubing with friends on Osoyoos Lake on Aug. 16, 2011 after being struck by a powerboat.
The alleged driver of that boat, Ryan William Symington, 31, has been charged with several serious charges, including impaired driving causing death.
Symington has also been charged with dangerous driving causing death, failure to stop at the scene of an accident, having care and control of a vessel with over .08 of alcohol in his system and attempting to obstruct justice.
Only two months after graduating high school, Corbin and several of his friends made the trip for some summer fun in Osoyoos.
The teenager was rushed back to shore, but paramedics and bystanders were unable to revive him.
Symington has hired Calgary lawyer Balfour Der to represent him.
“I can’t lie to you … I’ve been thinking about seeing the man accused of taking my son’s life for a very long time now,” said Corbin. “Coming face to face with the person who has basically destroyed me and my family and the perfect life we had has consumed me and it has angered me … but this is something I know I have to do.”
Symington’s preliminary hearing is set to begin at the Penticton Courthouse next Tuesday, April 21. Five days of court time have been set aside.
A preliminary hearing is not a trial, but a hearing in front of an experienced judge, who will determine if there is sufficient evidence for the charges to proceed to a criminal trial.
Crown prosecutor Mallory Treddenick will be leading the prosecution against Symington, who was released on $15,000 cash bail after spending one night in jail following his arrest.
Symington, who is from Alberta, has not made any appearances at the Penticton Courthouse, but must be present at the preliminary hearing.
Bob Corbin said he and his wife Elena will be travelling to Penticton to attend the preliminary hearing.
“I have to be there for every single second,” he said. “I was led to believe that this would be the trial, but I’ve since found out that this is only the preliminary hearing and we’re looking at another eight to 12 months before an actual trial takes place.
“That was very frustrating to learn as you would think someone would have made clear that an actual trial is still many long months away.”
Almost four years after getting the horrible call from police that his son had been killed, Corbin said the pain of living without his eldest son has been paralyzing.
His son was a brilliant engineering student who was only days away from beginning his post-secondary studies on a scholarship, he said.
He was also an award-winning, provincial-calibre track and field athlete and brilliant musician.
Marco and his two younger brothers were members of the The Corbin Brothers rock band that had garnered major attention on the indie music scene in and around their home in Mission, B.C., said his proud father.
“Since his death, several of the people he knew well have named their children after him,” said Corbin. “He also has literally dozens of friends who have had tattoos placed over their hearts as a tribute to him.
“There are very few young people who accomplished so much in their lives at such a young age. It’s still almost impossible to believe that he’s gone and won’t be coming back.
“He was a best friend to everyone. His death has left a dark mark on everyone who knew and loved him. His death has strained my marriage and left his two younger brothers deeply depressed and having difficulty dealing with it, even four years later.
“He was the leader of the band and the hero his brothers looked up to. He provided guidance, support and love to so many and it was all taken away for nothing.”
His music production career was put on hold and his wife had to take an extended leave of absence from her job to deal with the pain and anguish in the months after Marco was killed, he said.
The charges that have been laid against Symington have to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law and he won’t comment except to say all the information he’s received indicated the Crown has a very strong case, said Corbin.
The fact the accused has been allowed to continue to get on with his life and work overseas in the oil and gas industry despite facing such serious charges is another source of frustration and anger, said Corbin.
“My son never got a second chance,” he said.
Der is a well-respected defence attorney and he has little doubt the accused will do everything in his power to beat the charges, said Corbin.
“I’ve found out the hard way that it’s called the criminal justice system and not the victim justice system,” he said. “I know we’re going to be frustrated and angry in the months ahead, but we have to maintain our faith in the legal system and believe that justice will one day finally be served.”
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
