Provincial police in eastern Ontario have arrested a person in connection with a boat collision that claimed the lives of three people during the Victoria Day long weekend.
Five others were injured in the crash in the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, about an hour north of Kingston, around 9:30 p.m. on May 18. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the collision involved a “fishing-style boat” and a speedboat.
On Tuesday, OPP Const. Rob Martell confirmed one person is in custody and is set to appear in court in Kingston on Wednesday.
He would not share their identity nor the charges they face, but said during a brief interview Tuesday afternoon that more details would be announced the following day.
OPP issued a media release Tuesday stating a “significant development” in the case would be announced during a news conference outside the OPP’s Frontenac detachment at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
The OPP’s major case manager is expected to share more information about the arrest and answer questions at that time. The update follows five months with few public updates from investigators.
In an email to CBC earlier this month, Martell said “great progress” had been made in the case, but said no charges had been laid at that point. Martell indicated he “completely” understood the public’s interest in the case.
Family ‘absolutely gutted’ by loss
Riley Orr, 23, Kaila Bearman, 21 and Juliette Côté, 22, were killed in the collision.
Orr’s obituary described him as a good friend to many, with a “huge, kind heart” and the ability to light up a room with his smile.
Bearman’s smile was also described as a bright spot in the lives of her loved ones.
“We will not let darkness overpower the light, joy, determination, and passion that was this beautiful young lady,” her obituary read.
In an interview with CBC, Côté’s family described her as a “force” who was equally strong-willed and sincerely loving.
“You’re just absolutely gutted,” explained her mother, Alison Côté, in May. “You feel like a piece of you is just gone. Basically, we’re going to be starting our life over as of now.”
The Côtés said their daughter had been enjoying the Victoria Day long weekend at a friend’s family cottage on Bobs Lake. In text messages that morning, Côté told her parents the group was boating around the lake, playing games and listening to music.
“It’s a comfort to us knowing that she had an amazing day for her last day,” Alison Côté said.