Candlelight vigil scheduled for fatal crash victim

A candlelight vigil is scheduled tonight for the woman who died at the hands of a suspected drunk driver late last month at the intersection of Honeysuckle and Dandelion streets.

The early morning crash killed passenger Christine Weir, 33, and critically injured her fiance and driver, Brian Choiniere, 33, as both were on their way to drop Weir off at work at the Walmart SuperCenter.

Marie Bradley, a friend and co-worker of Weir’s, said the vigil is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., where the crash occurred.

She recalled Weir as being a warm and happy person who was always smiling and cheerful both at and away from work.

“We want to do something in memory of Christine,” she said. “We are suggesting that everyone wear orange because that was her favorite color. If they want to bring an orange candle or an orange glow stick they are welcome to do so.”

Bradley also said at least one Pahrump business has offered to assist Weir’s family as they grieve the loss of Weir.

“Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is doing a fundraiser on Saturday,” she said. “Anybody who comes in between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., part of the sales will be going to Christine’s family. I would like to thank owner Doug Dubin for doing that.”

Additionally, Bradley said employees at Walmart are also memorializing Weir.

“Everyone at Walmart is supporting her by wearing orange ribbons,” she said. “I also have red ribbons for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. I will have the ribbons with me tonight to hand out. Christine worked back in the receiving area, checking in merchandise. I have never seen her in a bad mood.”

Weir’s fiancé Brian Choiniere, 33, was seriously injured in the crash, which occurred on Sept. 24.

He was airlifted to UMC in Las Vegas. Choiniere has since been released from UMC.

The couple had scheduled their wedding date for Oct. 16.

A poker run is planned for Oct. 22nd. For additional information call Sandra Hancock at 775 537-9260.

Last Friday the Nye County District Attorney’s office charged Ashley Winn, 22, with driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, thereby causing the death of another, a category B felony.

Winn faces up to 20 years in prison and/or a $2,000 to $5,000 fine for the alleged crash.

The charge stated Winn was under the influence of an intoxicating liquor with a concentration of alcohol of 0.08 or more.

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes