THUNDER BAY — The deaths, more than six years ago, of two men operating winter road grooming machines in northwestern Ontario will be the subject of inquests announced today by the office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario.
On December 23, 2012, 58-year-old Henry Meekis died at Deer Lake when his machine broke through the ice and he was unable to escape in time.
Just two weeks later, on January 6, 2013, 52-year-old Harold McDonald died when his machine crashed through the ice while he was working for Poplar Hill First Nation.
The regional supervising coroner for northwestern Ontario, Dr. Michael Wilson, will preside over both inquests.
The dates and locations will be announced later.
Coroners' juries are empowered to make recommendations to prevent future deaths.
