Boy, 17, charged in Richmond Hill crash that killed fellow teen
Seven youths were loaded in vehicle when it crashed on Aug. 17, police say
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A 17-year-old boy faces an assortment of charges stemming from a deadly crash involving a car loaded with young people in Richmond Hill earlier this month.
York Regional Police say the single-vehicle crash occurred near Bayview Ave. and Bethesda Sideroad – north of Stouffville Rd. – around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 17.
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“There were seven youths in the vehicle at the time of the collision,” Const. Lisa Moskaluk said in a statement released Wednesday.
“Multiple injuries were reported with two occupants suffering life-threatening injuries. One of whom, a 17-year-old male from Richmond Hill, has since passed away as a result of those injuries,” she said, adding a 16-year-old Richmond Hill girl remains in “life-threatening condition.”
A GoFundMe set up for the family of the boy killed in the crash – to help with unexpected funeral costs – identifies him as Jhon Joshua “JJ” Panela.
“JJ was a 17-year-old boy going into his graduating year of high school,” the GoFundMe says. “He loved his friends/family, cars, food, and most importantly, basketball.”
“As no one was mentally, emotionally, or financially prepared for this devastating event – we are in deep trouble trying to find the words to give and trying to find a way to help his amazing family.”
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Police revealed Wednesday that the driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old Richmond Hill boy who can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and four counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm.
Investigators continue to appeal for witnesses who may have seen the vehicle – described as a black, two-door hatchback – in the area at the time or who have dashcam footage of the area around the time of the collision to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact 1-866-876-5423, Ext. 770, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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