The investigation into a fatal crash, that took the lives of four people on Highway 7 is still being investigated.
Officials say an SUV and pickup truck collided on Highway 7 near Drummond Line.
They say the crash took the lives of 4 people, and one person was airlifted to a Toronto hospital with life threatening injuries.
The driver of the pickup truck, 42 year old Jason Schmidt of Hastings was killed.
According to the GoFundMe page set up by Tanya Hart, and confirmed by Peterborough County OPP, Stefphanie and Riddick Hart and Jon MacDonnell who were all in the SUV died in the crash. Their daughter/sister Rowghan is in a Toronto hospital with life suffering injuries. The most recent update from Hart says that Rowghan has endured life altering injuries. With her grandparents by her side, she faced a second surgery today. We are patiently waiting for an update. Donations for Rowghan are being accepted at https://bit.ly/3tT3gll
The Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board has put out a release, that three of those who lost their life were part of the Thomas A Stewart Secondary School community.
There was an email sent to families from the school, which reads:
Nov 23, 2022
It is with profound sadness that I must share some tragic news. Last evening, you may have heard about a serious vehicle collision just east of Peterborough. We 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.
We have 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.
We have also lowered our flag to half-mast in our grief for the MacHart (Hart & MacDonnell) family. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Debbie Callahan
There was also notice from the school board, which reads:
Last evening, you may have heard about a serious vehicle collision just east of Peterborough. We have learned that an entire family at Thomas A Stewart (TAS) has been deeply impacted by this terrible accident, including the death of a student and both parents, one of whom is a TAS staff member. Another family member was involved, also a student at TAS, and has been airlifted to hospital.
We are shocked and saddened by this difficult news and the many profound and permanent impacts this tragic event has for so many in our community.
We have sought the support of the mental health clinicians at our school board, for both students and staff at TAS and other impacted schools. If you feel your child is in need of professional support, please contact your school.
The flags at TAS, the Education Centre, and other schools have been lowered to half mast as we grieve this tragic loss.
We offer our deepest condolences to family, friends and the entire TAS community. Our thoughts are also focused on the family member, our student, currently being treated in hospital, as we all hope for a positive outcome.
Rita Russo,
Director of Education
The OPP are asking anyone with any dash cam footage to come forward.
