Provincial police in eastern Ontario have arrested a person in connection with a boat collision that claimed the lives of three people during the Victoria Day long weekend.
Five others were injured in the crash in the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, about an hour north of Kingston, around 9:30 p.m. on May 18. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said the collision involved a "fishing-style boat" and a speedboat.
He would not share their identity nor the charges they face, but said during a brief interview Tuesday afternoon that more details would be announced the following day.
The OPP's major case manager is expected to share more information about the arrest and answer questions at that time. The update follows five months with few public updates from investigators.
In an email to CBC earlier this month, Martell said "great progress" had been made in the case, but said no charges had been laid at that point. Martell indicated he "completely" understood the public's interest in the case.
Victims of the Crash
Riley Orr, 23, Kaila Bearman, 21 and Juliette Côté, 22, were killed in the collision.
Orr's obituary described him as a good friend to many, with a "huge, kind heart" and the ability to light up a room with his smile.
Bearman's smile was also described as a bright spot in the lives of her loved ones.
"We will not let darkness overpower the light, joy, determination, and passion that was this beautiful young lady," her obituary read.
In an interview with CBC, Côté's family described her as a "force" who was equally strong-willed and sincerely loving.
"You're just absolutely gutted," explained her mother, Alison Côté, in May. "You feel like a piece of you is just gone. Basically, we're going to be starting our life over as of now."
The Côtés said their daughter had been enjoying the Victoria Day long weekend at a friend's family cottage on Bobs Lake. In text messages that morning, Côté told her parents the group was boating around the lake, playing games and listening to music.
"It's a comfort to us knowing that she had an amazing day for her last day," Alison Côté said.
A Chaotic Scene
Recordings of emergency dispatches posted online reveal a chaotic scene Saturday night as paramedics, police and firefighters raced to the area. Members of the Frontenac detachment of the OPP, the OPP emergency response team, canine unit, other OPP units, South Frontenac Fire and Rescue, Central Frontenac Fire and Rescue and Frontenac Paramedics all responded.
Three people, all in their early 20s, were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The victims were Riley Orr, Juliette Cote and Kaila Bearman.
Shortly after the tragedy unfolded, friends of the victims announced they would host a benefit to support the survivors.
Organizers explained that all the proceeds from the event will be distributed to the survivors of the crash and the families of Orr, Cote and Bearman. According to the social media page for the event, organizers raised close to $30,000.
Five Months Later
The investigation began earlier this year after three young adults died and five other people were taken to hospital after a speedboat ended up on top of a fishing boat on Bobs Lake north of Kingston, Ont., shortly after 9:30 p.m. on May 18.
One boat involved in the collision was described as an open bow fishing-style boat and the other as a speed boat. Police have not yet said whether alcohol or speed were factors in the collision or whether the occupants of the watercrafts were wearing life preservers.
What's Next
The press conference is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Frontenac Detachment in Hartington.
