Driver, 19, facing charges after Guelph mother struck and killed

A driver has been charged after a mother died from her injuries after she was hit with a pickup truck. CTV’s Jeff Pickel reports.

A Northern Ontario man has been charged after a crash earlier this month left a Guelph mother dead.

The collision happened just after 5 p.m. on Sept. 19 at the intersection of Paisley Road and Alma Street North.

Guelph Police said a couple was walking with their three-year-old daughter in a stroller when all three were struck by a pickup truck in the crosswalk.

The 38-year-old woman was taken to Guelph General Hospital where she died of her injuries. Her husband, also 38, suffered minor injuries and was released from hospital the same day. Their daughter was airlifted to a trauma centre in Hamilton as a precaution and later discharged that night.

The driver, a 19-year-old man from Northern Ontario, remained on scene and was not physically injured.

On Friday, he had been charged with careless driving causing death and two counts of careless driving causing bodily harm. He is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 17.

“Careless driving is under the Highway Traffic Act, and essentially alleges that someone is not driving with proper care and attention to avoid a collision,” said Scott Tracey with the Guelph Police Service. “Certainly, when it comes to the laying of charges, our officers look at the totality of the circumstances, as well as consulting with the local Crown Attorney’s office in terms of what would be the appropriate charge.”

Tracey said after reviewing all the evidence and speaking with witnesses, Guelph Police and the Crown decided they would not be pursuing criminal charges at this time.

“The decision was made that these would be the most appropriate charges in the circumstances,” Tracey said.

The tragedy prompted an outpouring of community support. Days after the crash, an online fundraiser was launched to support the family, raising thousands of dollars in donations.