A devastating story from the Coquihalla Highway last night.

RCMP say three vehicles were involved in a crash north of Hope around dinner time.

An elderly couple in one vehicle were injured so two men and a woman from the other two vehicles came to their aid - then things went terribly wrong.

Another vehicle smashed into one of the crashed cars pushing it into the woman trying to help -- as her husband looked on.

RCMP say she died later in hospital in Hope.

The name of the 54 year old from west Kelowna is not yet being released.

Officers say snow and driver distraction are likely contributing factors but the investigation is in its preliminary stages.

The driver who smashed into the original crash is cooperating with investigators.