SURREY - A man from Maple Ridge was killed and his passenger is fighting for her life after the SUV they were in crashed into a water-filled ditch in Cloverdale Tuesday night.

Witnesses told police the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe was fishtailing through the intersection at 80th Avenue and 176th Street before it landed in a ditch on the west side of 176th. The 39-year-old driver was apparently trying to make a left turn but lost control of the Tahoe. He died at the scene. His passenger, a 29-year-old Surrey woman, is in critical condition in hospital. Police have not released their names.

Police believe speed was a factor in the crash, which happened at about 9:45 p.m.

tzytaruk@thenownewspaper.com