By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The suspect in the death of one Okanagan Granfondo cyclist and the serious injury of two others in 2025 has been arrested by RCMP.
The annual cycling event which loops from Penticton down to Oliver and back was marred by tragedy last year when 49 year old Ava Choy – one of 3,000 participants – was struck by a motor vehicle during the event.
The collision took place just before noon on July 13 on White Lake Road near St Andrew’s Drive.
Following an extensive investigation by Penticton RCMP, Jonathan Crant was arrested on July 20, 2026 in connection with the fatal collision. “Investigators gathered and assessed a substantial body of evidence,” the RCMP said in a statement, ultimately forwarding charge recommendations to the BC Prosecution Service.
Pictured above: Ava Choy enjoying one of her many outdoor pursuits. The photo is from a GoFundMe campaign which raised more than $36,000 to help the family with funeral expenses.
As a result of the RCMP investigation, the BC Prosecution Service approved one charge of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death and two charges of Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm against Crant.
“This has been a complex investigation requiring significant investigative efforts to collect, analyze and assess evidence,” said Staff Sergeant Scott Hanry, Penticton RCMP.
“Our community was profoundly impacted by this event. Our thoughts remain with all family members and those affected by this tragic incident.”
This investigation remains ongoing and the Penticton RCMP will not make any additional comments at this time as the file is now before the courts.
The Okanagan Granfondo event was cancelled indefinitely after a 14-year run with organizers citing significant increases in traffic and safety management costs, as well as the impact of a tragic collision that killed Choy and seriously injured two others during the final 2025 event, as reasons for ending the iconic South Okanagan road cycling race.
