OPP: Driver charged in fatal side-by-side collision

KEARNEY, Ont. —  One passenger is dead and the driver is facing charges in relation to an incident involving a side-by-side, according to the Ontario Provincial Police.

Members of the Almaguin Highlands OPP, Parry Sound District Emergency Medical Service (EMS), and the Kearney Fire Department responded to the single motor vehicle collision on Rain Lake Road at approximately 4:40 p.m. on Saturday, September 16.

There were four occupants on board the side-by-side.

A 39-year-old passenger from Hamilton, Ont., was airlifted to a hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. A post-mortem will be performed later.

Two other passengers, aged 40 and 36, also from Hamilton, did not require medical attention.

Further to the investigation, the driver, Julian Desrochers, 35, from Burlington, Ont., was arrested and charged with:

• Operation causing death
• Operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused was held for a bail hearing on September 17 at the Ontario Court of Justice.

Members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management Enforcement Team (TIME) and OPP Snow-Vehicle, All-Terrain Vehicle, and Vessel Enforcement (SAVE) are assisting with the investigation.