Benefit to support survivors of fatal boat collision north of Kingston
The special event will be held Sept. 14, at Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Company.
Article content
The friends of those lost or injured in a fatal Bobs Lake boating accident this past May are coming together to support their families.
Emergency services were called to the popular South Frontenac lake on May 18 at about 9:40 p.m., where they learned a speedboat had collided with an open-hull fishing boat. Five people were injured while Riley Orr, 23, Juliette Cote, 22, and Kaila Bearman, 21, were killed.
Recommended Videos
tap here to see other videos from our team.
Benefit to support survivors of fatal boat collision north of Kingston Back to video
tap here to see other videos from our team.
The Ontario Provincial Police continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash and no charges have be laid.
In the meantime, on Sept. 14, friends of those killed or injured will be hosting a benefit at Bath’s Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Company (1915 County Road 22) to support the survivors.
“The profound losses we have experienced have left a deep void, and this event serves as a way to remember and offer support to those impacted,” Rachel Leonard, one of the event’s organizers told the Whig-Standard.
“Our goal is to provide crucial financial assistance to the families of the victims and those who are taking time off work to heal.”
According to an event created on Facebook, tickets are $25 cash and are being sold at the Sydenham One Stop (4431 William St.), Lenny’s Deli (4415 Wheatley St., Sydenham), Prime Takout (4937 County Road 38) in Harrowsmith, the organizers of the event, and some will be available at the door. Children under 12 are free.
Leonard said they are about halfway to their goal of selling 1,000 tickets.
More information on tickets is available on the Facebook event page. The event can be found by searching “Bobs Lake boating accident benefit” on Facebook.
Leonard explained that all the proceeds from the event will be distributed to the survivors of the crash and the families of Orr, Cote and Bearman. She wrote they’ll be able to use the funds how they’d like, noting may have taken time off work to heal, are facing medical expenses, funeral expenses, and other urgent needs arising from the incident.
“By uniting in this effort, we hope to create a lasting legacy of compassion and solidarity in the face of such a tragic loss, and we deeply appreciate the community’s support during this difficult time,” Leonard said.
The benefit will run from 4-10 p.m. and feature raffle baskets, a 50/50 draw, a silent auction, food trucks, and live music.
Two shuttle buses were also donated to the event. One will be travelling from Sydenham’s Loughborough Public School (4330 Wheatley St.) and the second from the Gardiners Road carpool lot located next to Highway 401.
Investigation ongoing
The OPP still has time to lay charges in connection to the ongoing investigation.
The force noted that charges under provincial legislation, such as the Canada Shipping Act and the Liquor License Act, can be laid up to six months from the date of the incident and the Criminal Code statute of limitations provides many years of eligibility.
“The OPP investigation is looking at speed, impairment by alcohol or drugs, safety equipment, weather, operator requirements, the time of day, darkness, underwater hazards, navigation tools, or operators’ ability as a number of factors,” the OPP said. “These determinations will not be released unless charges are laid, as they form the basis for the case before the courts.”
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.