Procession for paramedics killed in crash to take place Friday across N.B. and P.E.I.

Mike MacKenzie and Jenna Croucher are pictured. The Island EMS paramedics were killed when their ambulance crashed on July 7, 2026. (Atlantic 911 Ride)

A procession to honour two Prince Edward Island EMS paramedics who died in an ambulance crash this week is planned for Friday afternoon through parts of New Brunswick and P.E.I.

Atlantic 911 Ride, a non-profit organization that supports first responders, said in a Facebook post that Mike MacKenzie and Jenna Croucher were “valued members” of the Atlantic 911 Ride family.

“Year after year, they proudly supported our events, always giving their time, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the communities they served,” said the organization.

“Today, it is our privilege to stand with their families, friends, colleagues, and community to honour their lives, their service, and the legacy they leave behind.”

MacKenzie, 56, and Croucher, 23, were killed along with a 77-year-old female patient, when their ambulance collided with a transport truck on Route 16 in Melrose, N.B., near the Confederation Bridge Tuesday morning. MacKenzie was driving the ambulance at the time.

The patient’s name has not been released publicly.

The procession for MacKenzie and Croucher is slated to leave the Irving Big Stop gas station on Highway 1 near Rothesay, N.B., at 1 p.m. and continue through New Brunswick, over the Confederation Bridge, arriving at the Dingwell Funeral Home in Souris, P.E.I., around 6:35 p.m.

“Members of the public are invited to respectfully observe the procession along the route as it passes through their communities,” reads the post. “Your presence is a meaningful way to show appreciation for two dedicated paramedics who devoted their lives to helping others.”

Croucher’s father, P.E.I. Education Minister Robin Croucher, said he will lead part of the procession of vehicles, including fire trucks, as his daughter’s body is returned to the Island from a hospital in Saint John, N.B.

A full timeline for Friday procession can be found here.

Paramedics remembered as bright lights

Robin Croucher is remembering his daughter as a loving person and trusted coworker.

He said she was a “rare beacon of light” who had the ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Meanwhile, the IWK Foundation is remembering MacKenzie as “a bright light in this world.”

The foundation released a statement Thursday about MacKenzie, who served as the chair of the volunteer IWK Telethon operations committee on P.E.I. for 15 years.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Mike MacKenzie,” said the IWK Foundation. “He was kind. He was funny. He was always cheerful, always positive, and ever passionate about improving healthcare for children in his community.”

“As a first responder, Mike was beloved by his colleagues. He was an incredible paramedic with a heart to serve and help others,” it added.

A GoFundMe to support the MacKenzie and Croucher families had raised more than $70,000 as of noon Friday. The Atlantic 911 Ride Foundation created the fundraiser in partnership with Island EMS.

“All funds raised through this campaign will go toward helping the families with funeral expenses, immediate financial needs, and other essential costs as they begin to navigate life without their loved ones,” said the organization.

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