WHITEWATER REGION (Cobden) – A moment of silence was held at last night’s Whitewater Region council meeting to remember two young men who died following a single car crash, and two others who are recuperating from injuries sustained in that same accident.
“The Renfrew area, and the larger hockey community, was hit with an extreme tragedy when two hockey players from the Renfrew Timberwolves were killed, another is in critical condition in the Ottawa hospital, and another is now at home,” said Councillor Chris Olmstead.
He noted many people know the four young people.
“I’d like to offer our condolences to the Timberwolves and their families, fans and I’m wondering if we can have just a moment of silence,” he said, which was granted.
Earlier in the day, mourners packed the Whitewater Wesleyan Community Church for the funeral of Brandon Hanniman, the young man who died at the scene of the accident.
A funeral will be held tomorrow for Alex Paquette, who died in hospital on Saturday from injuries suffered in the same accident.
Four members of the Tier 2 Renfrew Timberwolves hockey team were in the 2006 car when it crashed on Calabogie Road near Burnstown. Shortly after midnight on Friday, Oct. 27, a motorist came upon the scene of the horrific accident and called 911.
Police, paramedics and firefighters from McNab Braeside Township responded to the scene.
Three of the occupants had been ejected. One male was pronounced dead at the scene. One male was transported to the hospital by Ornge Air Ambulance, and two males were transported by paramedics to the hospital.
Mr. Hanniman, 18, died in the crash. He is the son of Tom and Sherrylynn Hanniman. He was buried yesterday.
Mr. Paquette, 18, the son of Dan and Joanna Paquette, died the next day.
Jake McGrimmon, 18, has been released from hospital and is now recuperating at home.
Ben Scheuneman, 18, remains in the intensive care unit of the hospital.
The investigation has revealed the vehicle was travelling northbound towards Burnstown when it left the roadway and struck a rock cut. Mr. Hanniman was driving the vehicle at the time. Police believe alcohol may have contributed to the crash.
Two OPP Technical Collision Investigators (TCI) are assisting with this investigation, which is being led by the Ontario Coroner’s Office. Officers continue to reach out to anyone who may have information on this investigation including anyone who may have seen or spoken to the males earlier in the evening. Please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
The Ottawa Citizen is reporting that the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario suspended the liquor licence of Shooter’s Bar and Grill in Calabogie on Oct. 30.
The commission has cited the bar for various infractions, including allowing an “apparent” minor to have liquor on the premises and failing to verify that “apparent minors” met the legal drinking age of 19.
While the commission did not specifically say one or all of the teenagers were in the bar on the night of the crash, it made it clear the suspension arose out of the OPP’s investigation into the crash.
“As a matter of practice, the AGCO works closely with local and provincial authorities in response to incidents such as these and shares information,” wrote senior communications adviser Ray Kahnert.
Editor’s Note: The family of Mr. Hanniman requested privacy from the press during Brandon’s funeral Wednesday morning. Whitewater News abided by this request.
