The three people killed in last weekend’s tragic collision between a speedboat and a fishing boat north of Kingston are being remembered Friday.
Juliette Côté, 22, Riley Orr, 23, Kaila Bearman, 21 were all pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
The incident happened around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, in the Buck Bay part of Bobs Lake, roughly 140 kilometres southwest of Ottawa.
Côté was a recent graduate from St. Lawrence College. She co-owned a design business with her mom, and was described as being very excited to start the next chapter of her life.
A celebration of life was held for Côté at her family home on Friday.
Orr had been working with Frontenac Plumbing Service FPS since he graduated high school. In a post on Facebook, his former employer says, “We had the privilege and pleasure of watching him grow into an outstanding young man with so much potential.”
Orr’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 31; one day before he would have turned 24.
“Riley was quiet but had a huge, kind heart and he could light up a room with his smile,” his obituary reads.
Bearman is described by family and friends as being creative with a great sense of humour.
In a post on Facebook, her aunt, Myra Stonier, says, “She was such a creative, beautiful young lady and such a beautiful soul. We are still finding it hard to imagine we lost her. We love you Kaila and you will be truly missed.”
Ontario Provincial Police wrapped up their on-scene investigation on Wednesday, but no new details have emerged.
Investigators are now requesting anyone with video captured around the Bucks Bay area of Bobs Lake during the day and into the evening of May 18, 2024, to come forward. Any other witnesses who may have seen activity on the waterway prior to the fatal boat collision, which took place just after 9:30 p.m. that night, are also asked to contact police.
“We know this incident may have been traumatic for many community members, including family, friends and residents or visitors along the shores of Bucks Bay,” said Frontenac OPP Acting Commander Staff Sergeant Jeremy Doolan. “We want everyone to know that, if you are having a hard time dealing with what you have seen or heard, help is available.”
Anyone affected by this incident can contact Victim Services of Kingston and Frontenac online or by calling 613-548-4834 or by email at [email protected].
