Fatal Three Vehicle Collision Results In Charges

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On Friday, January 6, 2017 at approximately 10:40 am, officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Thunder Bay Fire Service and Superior North Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responded to a three vehicle collision on Highway 61 at the Kaministiquia River Bridge.

Investigation had determined that a dark-coloured Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was travelling southbound on Highway 61. A light-coloured SUV was also travelling southbound behind the dark-coloured SUV. A grey mid size car was travelling northbound on Highway 61. The southbound dark-coloured SUV impacted with the northbound car at the Kaministiquia Bridge and then the light-coloured SUV also collided with the grey car.

The female driver of the white SUV, the male driver of the SUV and the female passenger of the grey car were all transported to hospital by EMS with serious injuries.

The driver of the grey car, Rachel LEGARDE, 45 years of age, from Fort William First Nation was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gary WALKER, 48 years of age, from Thunder Bay has been arrested and charged with the following offences:

-Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Death contrary to section 249(4) of the Criminal Code,

-Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm contrary to section 249(3) of the Criminal Code.

He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on April 7, 2017 to answer to the charges.

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