Woman Killed and Man Seriously Injured in Hit and Run Near Bobcaygeon

An 86-year-old man has been charged after allegedly leaving the scene of a collision on County Road 36 that left a 19-year-old woman dead and her boyfriend seriously injured.

GOFundme photo

The collision occurred on 36 near Moon Line Road Wednesday afternoon at around 1 p.m.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene while the man was airlifted to a Toronto hospital.

Officers were able to locate the drive and charged Carl Lee, 86, of Bobcaygeon with failing to stop after an accident resulting in death and failing to stop after an accident resulting in bodily harm.

He has a November court date.

A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched for the victims’ families by Kim Wilson.

The victims are identified as Alana Lowey, 19, and Aiden Vella, 19.

“On September 25, 2024, Alana Lowey and Aiden Vella were walking together down highway 36, just outside of Bobcaygeon,” the post states. “They were happy and carefree until they were struck by a car and their entire world changed. Alana unfortunately did not survive the accident and Aiden was airlifted to hospital where it is expected he will be ok.”

The GoFundMe page also states Alana came to Bobcaygeon two months ago from Saskatchewan.

“She thought life was just beginning for her. Now there will be expenses that will be difficult for her family to incur to have her returned to Saskatchewan. Aiden will also need help financially as he recovers.”

As of midday Friday, the campaign has raised more than $4,700 of its $15,000 target.

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GoFundMe Created For Local Teen Struggling With Mental Health To Get Therapy Dog

Local teen Payge Creasy has community support behind her to get a therapy dog for her mental health as donors are contributing to cover the costs in a GoFundMe created last Thursday.

GoFundMe photo.

The GoFundMe was created by her aunt Candice Williamson with a goal of $4,500 to pay for the therapy dog named Kyle. He is supposed to help Creasy during her panic attacks and other episodes when she is suffering from her mental health according to the Williamson on the GoFundMe. It continues to say that Creasy has suffered from mental health issues for the past few years including a six-week inpatient stay.

Alternatively, another fundraising effort on Sipology was created by Krystal C Daskewich, another one of Creasey’s aunts, entitled, ‘Paws For Payge.’ Roughly 40 per cent of the proceeds from the tea and tea accessory sales go towards Cresey’s campaign.

The teen was also an entrepreneur, selling handmade bath products with her company ‘Payge’s Paradise’ which began back in April 2019. Her handmade, chemical-free bath products include body butter, body scrubs, shower steamers, bath salts and candles.

Both fundraisers say that only money is holding the teen back from being able to get Kyle and help her cope with her mental health better.

The GoFundMe has already raised $855 of its $4,500 goal since the publication of this article.

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GoFundMe Created to Assist Peterborough Man and His Family After a Motorcycle Accident Leaves Him in Hospital

A GoFundMe has been created to assist local man Chris Lee after a serious motorcycle accident in Peterborough that left him in a hospital at St. Michael’s in Toronto.

photo courtesy of the gofundme.

He was airlifted to St. Michael’s Hospital from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Thursday and his condition is unknown.

On the fundraiser page, created by Lee’s co-worker Taylor MacMillan, she says the money raised will be put towards any costs associated with his recovery, and to support the everyday expenses that may be affected due to missing work.

Lee, who works in the construction industry, has three children; Payton, Kaden and Oaklyn.

“Chris is an amazing person and he never hesitates to help others in need so hopefully everyone can help return this favour to him and his family,” she says on the page.

As of this story being published, the GoFundMe has raised just over $15,000 of the $20,000 goal. To donate, click the link.

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Two Weekend Benefits Being Held To Save Sherbrooke Street PJ's Diner From Closing Down; GiveSendGo Created To Help Raise Money

The community is rallying behind PJ’s Diner’s owners Sheri Cunliffe and Adam Jackson as two benefit fundraising events have been created to prevent the restaurant from closing its doors.

A GiveSendGo has been created by Cuncliffe to help keep the business afloat.

Jackson (left) and Cuncliffe (right) purchased the dner four years ago. Facebook Photo.

The diner is struggling to keep up with maintenance costs since the pandemic when the couple purchased the business four years ago.

“We fought to keep this place going knowing it was not going to stop the rent and bills, not to mention this was what our family had to make our home bills,” said Cunliffe in the GiveSendGo.

The Sherbrooke Street diner must come up with $9,000 by Monday or will be evicted according to a GiveSendGo update from April 18. Only $390 raised since this article’s publication.

A breakfast fundraiser is being held at the Sherbrooke PJ’s Diner on Saturday at 9 a.m., encouraging the community to eat there and leave large tips. The second event is at the Red Dog at 1 p.m. Raffles and prizes will be at the benefit gigs according to both Facebook event pages.

Singer and musician Joslynn Burford will be performing live at both events.

“We have given our all to this place and we don’t want to lose it,” said Cuncliffe.

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Peterborough Police Provide Updates On Fatal Woodglade Boulevard Collision of Three-Year-Old Girl

The Peterborough Police Service have issued a statement on Monday regarding the ongoing investigation of a Woodglade Boulevard collision Thursday morning which resulted in the death of a three-year-old child.

photo by felicia massey.

At approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, officers were called to a motor vehicle collision on Woodglade Boulevard.

A vehicle came off the road and struck a 3-year-old girl in the driveway of the residence. The child was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and has since succumbed to those injuries. There was no one else injured in the collision.

At the scene of the accident, flowers, stuffed animals and notes have been left in memory of the young girl. Signs reading “slow down” have been placed along the Boulevard.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

A GoFundMe has been set up to cover funeral costs and loss of wages for the family, and local business Hair by Fusion is using their salon as a donation drop-off location at 1625 Sherbrooke St.

The Peterborough Police Service Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to actively investigate the fatal collision. They say this is an absolutely tragic situation, and anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

Staff Sergeant Dan MacLean speaks on the matter:

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GoFundMe Created To Help Young Girl Diagnosed With B-Cell Leukemia Days After Fourth Birthday

It may not be the best present for four-year-old Ellie Bell as she was diagnosed with B-Cell leukemia shortly after her fourth birthday but a GoFundMe was set up to aid the family.

Bell after meeting Santa Clause at Lansdowne Place Mall while she got her face painted. Photo courtesy of Natalie Campbell.

Bell received the diagnosis four days after her fourth birthday (Dec. 12). She was release from the hospital after spending 10 days according to a Facebook post from her mother.

It began as what the family thought was a high fever and Bell was taken to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. She was eventually taken to SickKids Hospital on the same day for several tests including blood work, x-rays and ultrasounds.

The second day, Bell had to be put on a feeding tube while already on five days with no food or fluids according to the GoFundMe page. It was revealed that she respiratory syncytial virus, urinary tract infection and rhinovirus resulting in a a prescription of heavy antibiotics and receiving a blood transfusion (which gradually helped her condition).

On Bell’s 10th and final day at the hospital — which was her birthday — she received a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy because her cell line numbers were still low as stated in the GoFundMe. She was released from the hospital that day. During that time, Bell’s mother had openly asked friends and family to send videos wishing her a happy birthday.

Bell was readmitted on Thursday for a lumbar puncture and her first round of chemotherapy. I was administrated directly into her spine to prevent the cells from travelling to her spinal fluid and brain. A second round of chemotherapy on the same day.

On Friday, Bell will ‘receive a port line inserted in her chest to prevent two years worth of needle pokes’ according to Natalie Campbell, Bell’s great aunt.

Bell began junior kindergarten however her treatment will take roughly two to three years and is unable to return to class until the following school year. The parents have taken time off work to care for her during the recovery process.

“Our top priority is making sure Ellie has the love and support she needs to stay strong, as well as getting more answers in the coming weeks to further determine her prognosis,” said Campbell.

The GoFundMe was created by Campbell on Thursday that has already seen short of $5,000 of the $10,000 goal.

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Ryan Reynolds Sends Encouragement Video To 14-Year-Old Whose Family Died in Highway 7 Crash

Renowned Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds sent a video of encouragement to 14-year-old Rowghan MacHart who suffered critical injuries and lost her family in a Highway 7 crash in late November.

(from left to right) Johnathan MacDonnell, Rowghan MacHart, Riddick Hart and Stefphanie Hart. The family accident occurred near the Blue Jay Motel in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Wilson.

According to the GoFundMe page run by MacHart’s cousin Tanya Hart, the video was sent to her on Thursday that, ‘brought a smile to her face.’

The update says MacHart has undergone five surgeries in the span of just over three weeks.

“Rowghan is so strong and hasn’t complained once,” said Hart on the GoFundMe page. “She has smiled and made jokes, continuing to amaze the doctors, nurses and everyone that surrounds her.”

On the evening of Nov. 22, Rowghan lost her father Jonathan MacDonnell, mother Stefphanie Hart and brother 18-year-old Riddick Hart (also known as the MacHarts) to a head-on crash with a pickup truck. The truck driver was identified as Jason Schmidt of Hastings who also died as a result of the accident.

Rowghan was airlifted to SickKids hospital after the accident as the only survivor. After her third stomach surgery, doctors fear she may never be able to talk again according to a GoFundMe update.

The GoFundMe was originally created to costs and care for Rowghan. The $10,000 was shattered and over $87,000 was raised. A funeral for the three lost family members has been postponed until Rowghan is well enough to attend.

“We are sorry that we have to delay the services for Stefphanie, Jon and Riddick into the new year,” said Tanya. “However, it is so important that Rowghan be healthy and stable enough to be in attendance, in order to continue to process and grieve her beloved family.”

A second GoFundMe was created on Nov. 23 by Kathryn Wilson to help cover Rowghan’s grandparents’ expenses while they are in Toronto with her. The GoFundMe is paying for the hotel, food costs and planning of three funerals. Roughly just under $9,000 has been raised of the $10,000 goal.

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GoFundMe Created To Aid Family In Fatal Hwy. 7 Accident From Tuesday Night

A GoFundMe has been created to cover costs and care for an injured family member after a fatal car crash occurred on Hwy 7, killing four people on Tuesday night.

GoFundMe photo.

The accident involved a pick-up truck and an SUV where the driver of the other vehicle was also killed but is yet to be identified.

Stefphanie, Jon and Riddick MacHart were identified as three of the four people killed in the accident that occurred near the Blue Jay Motel in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township around 5:15 p.m.

Rowghan MacHart, the only survivor, was airlifted to SickKids with an update pending according to Tanya Hart from the GoFundMe page, a family member.

“It is with the heaviest heart that we are writing this…” said Hart on the GoFundMe page. “We are absolutely devastated by the sudden and tragic deaths of Stefphanie, Jon, Riddick on the evening of Nov. 22nd.

One family member was a staff at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School while another was a student. The school’s flag was lowered at half mast according to a notice sent by Rita Russo, director of education:

“Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School is grieving the loss of one of their students and and a staff member after last nights fatal collision on Highway 7.

Debbie Callahan, Principal at TAS had announced this morning that it is with profound sadness that she must share some tragic news regarding last nights serious vehicle collision just east of Peterborough. They have learned that an entire family, the MacHart (Hart & MacDonnell) family, has been deeply impacted by this terrible accident, including the death of a student at our school and both parents, one of whom is also a Thomas A Stewart staff member. Another family member was involved, also a student at our school, and they were airlifted to hospital.

Our school community is shocked and grieving as we struggle to process this difficult news, and we understand that this will have an immediate and significant impact on our students, staff and families. Together, we know you join us in offering our deepest condolences to the MacHart (Hart & MacDonnell) family.

The school has sought the support of the mental health clinicians at our school board, for both students and staff. This news has been shared directly with students this morning, and school board counsellors are available at the school to speak with anyone who needs support. Counsellors will remain available as long as needed. If you feel your child is in need of professional support, please contact us at the school, and we will make the necessary arrangements.

The school has also lowered its flag to half-mast in our grief for the MacHart (Hart & MacDonnell) family.”

Hwy. 7 was closed in both directions around Keene Road and Hwy 28 and reopened Wednesday morning.

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GoFundMe Raises Money For Four-Year-Old Struck By Truck at Norwood Fair

A GoFundMe has been started for four-year-old girl Sophie Foley who suffered life-threatening injuries from an oncoming truck at the Norwood Fair on Thanksgiving Monday.

Foley is in the ICU at Sick Kids Toronto after being airlifted from Campbellford Memorial Hospital. Photo courtesy of Daniel Steven Foley.

Foley was at the fair with her family when she was struck by a truck while crossing the street according to the GoFundMe page. The driver reportedly fled the scene after the incident.

Police have identified the driver but have not yet announced any charges or released their name.

Off-duty nurses reportedly performed CPR to restore her pulse before paramedics arrived according to Foley’s parents in separate Facebook posts. She was taken immediately to Campbellford Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to Sick Kids in Toronto.

Sophie Foley enjoying fair festivities before the tragic accident occurred. Photo courtesy of Daniel Steven Foley.

Foley is currently fighting for her life according to her mother’s Facebook post. She suffered a fractured skull, extensive brain injuries and a laceration on her liver. She is currently on life support in the ICU at Sick Kids hospital in Toronto, according to her father Daniel Steven Foley.

Her Mother, Natasha Celene released a statement on Facebook of her family’s gratitude for the outgoing support and donations they have received.

Over $27,000 has already been raised of the $30,000 goal at time of this article’s publication to help her family stay in Toronto as she receives treatment at Sick Kids.

Anyone is welcome to donate to their GoFundMe.

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Canada's Dinosaur Park Creates GoFundMe For New Habitat Building After Alleged Contractor Issues

Non-profit reptile zoo Canada’s Dinosaur Park has set up a GoFundMe for their new habitat building on Wednesday after its contractor Total Construction Management Services Inc. (TCM) allegedly abandoned the construction.

File photo.

The fundraiser is set for $200,000 to complete the new building, cover legal costs to file a lawsuit against TCM and pay the sub-contractors and workers according to the GoFundMe page.

Sharper Construction LTD, Steel Con Contracting, Peterborough Crane Rentals and Zenner Concrete Pumping were the supposed unpaid subcontractors.

TCM was hired in September last year to complete the building for the next month and was given $300,000 as stated by the Dinosaur Park staff.

The park claims TCM abandoned construction in December and never returned to the job site since. The contracting company embezzled the money without paying workers and disappeared according to park director Byr Loyst.

“It’s sad that someone would do that to the animals and to a charity, he said. “I can’t believe someone is that awful a person.”

TCM owner James Gillingham has been contacted several times and by PTBOCanada by the park but did not respond. The director claims that TCM’s lawyer said the park would be reimbursed by Gillingham but was delayed by several months.

According to Loyst, he received a phone call from the TCM’s lawyer on Wednesday and the latter allegedly was lied to by Gillingham and did not have his retainer paid. The call left the park to create the GoFundMe.

If the fundraiser’s goal has been achieved, the park’s intention to take legal action would be in question. The decision would be decided by their board of directors said Loyst. He claims that the law firm he spoke with requires roughly $50,000 to pursue legal action.

Ultimately, the park’s director just wants the building finished for the reptiles and the workers to be properly compensated for their work. The incomplete building prevents admission income to maintain the park to be open to the public.

“I’m more concerned about the animals than anything else,” said Loyst. “The tortoises are stuck inside, not able to go in and out as they please and we have not been able to open.”

Donations for the GoFundMe or CanadaHelps for Canada’s Dinosaur Park can be made online.

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