Calgary man killed by alleged drunk driver was often designated driver

CALGARY—The family of a young Calgary man who was killed in a crash with an alleged drunk driver on New Year’s Day is speaking out.

They say they don’t want Francis Pesa to be “just a headline.”

The 20-year-old had just returned from visiting his family in the Philippines when a Dodge Ram Truck smashed into his BMW.

He died five days later from his injuries.

Speaking for the family, Reese Reyes told reporters that Pesa had just returned from the Philippines where he was helping relatives following Typhoon Haiyan.

Reyes says Francis was the type of person who took care of everyone and often did not drink when he was out so he could drive his friends home.

“As a 20-year-old he would be out late and (his family) just always assumed he was out partying too hard or whatever, but later they found out that he was staying late to ensure that every single one of his friends got home safely,” Reyes said.

Pesa was the second-oldest brother in a family of four boys.

Kulwinder Singh Chohan, who is 36, is facing impaired driving charges.