Woman facing impaired charges after fatal crash near Orillia

A Scarborough woman is facing impaired-driving related charged after a crash that killed a well-known local man near Gamebridge last month.

Tricia Bottan, 52, has been charged with operation causing death and impaired driving (blood alcohol concentration 80 plus) in the wake of the tragic crash.

On June 18, shortly after 4 p.m., a "serious" two-vehicle crash occurred on Highway 12 near Concession 1 in Ramara Township.

Orillia OPP arrived on scene with Ramara Fire and Simcoe County Paramedics (EMS) and found one vehicle in the ditch and one vehicle blocking the highway with significant damage.

"With the assistance of Ramara Fire, they were able to extract the driver from the vehicle in the ditch," notes a media release from the Orillia OPP.

Upon speaking with the driver of the other vehicle, officers noticed the driver to be showing signs of being intoxicated by alcohol, the release stated.

Both drivers were transported by ambulances to a local hospital. However, both were later transported to Toronto area trauma centres in life-threatening condition.

Ten days later, on June 28, Harold Downs, 63, of Severn Township, succumbed to his injuries.

Orillia OPP Const. Shelby Russell said there was a delay in laying the charges as officers had to "re-arrest" the accused.

"Our apologies and condolences to the family," said Russell.

The police are appealing for witnesses of the crash to come forward. Anyone who may have witnessed or has camera footage of the collision and has not spoken with police is asked to contact the Orillia OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122.