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Fatal collision in Couchiching kills two

First Nations across Northwestern Ontario are in mourning after two men died following a two-vehicle collision in Couchiching First Nation early Friday morning.

First Nations across Northwestern Ontario are in mourning after two men died following a two-vehicle collision in Couchiching First Nation early Friday morning.  

A 23-year-old Whitesand First Nation man and a 30-year-old from Pic Mobert First Nation drowned when two vehicles hurtled into Frog Creek in Couchiching early Friday morning.

The OPP dive team from Orillia recovered their bodies from one of the vehicles that was submerged in the creek. 

At the families' request, their names were not released.

Police and fire services treated others for injuries on the site. 

A joint Treaty Three Police and Ontario Provincial Police investigation found alcohol and speed played a role in the incident.  

The two were members of a drum group that traveled the region and Treaty Three Police officers say that connection, along with the multitude of communities represented, has amplified grief throughout the Northwest. 

"Investigating any incident where there's fatalities involved is tragic but when the people know each other like this, it's even more of a tragedy," said Treaty Three Police Det. Sgt. Terry McCaffrey.

"It shows how much we have to focus on getting our goung people -- or anyone -- to get a safe ride home, to refrain from drinking and driving. It has really affected not only the Couchiching Territory but Whitesand, Pic Mobert. This incident has affected people straight across Northwestern Ontario." 

An 18-year-old Thunder Bay male  was charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, racing a motor vehicle, and driving without a licence.

He has been released, with a court appearance set for Sept. 8.

 





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