Tributes pour in for three members of northern Ont. family killed in Hwy. 11 crash

The Cochrane Library posted this photo of a wreath as part of its tribute to the three people killed in a collision Dec. 21 on Highway 11 near Hearst.

Community and other groups are offering condolences following a horrific crash Dec. 21 on Highway 11 east of Hearst, Ont., that claimed the lives of a mother and two children.

The sole survivor of the crash is a former employee of the Town of Cochrane, Jason Boyer. His wife, Nicole, 41 and their two children -- ages 15 and 12 – were pronounced dead at the scene.

The fatal two-vehicle collision involved a tractor-trailer and a pickup truck and occurred around 12:30 a.m. in Opasatika Township.

Highway 11 was closed for most of the day as emergency responders and police investigated the scene. Ontario Provincial Police told CTV News it would be some time before they can determine what happened.

‘Profound impact’

“The Town of Cochrane is deeply saddened by the tragic events involving former town employee Jason Boyer, his wife Nicole, and their two children,” the community said on its Facebook page Christmas Eve.

“The Boyer family is known to many within the town organization and the broader community and this situation has had a profound impact on those who know him and his family. The town extends its sincere compassion to all those affected during this extremely difficult time.”

“The Cochrane Figure Skating Club is heartbroken to hear of the passing of three very special members of our skating family,” the club said in a post Dec. 23.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jason and to all of Pyper, Zoe and Nicole’s family and friends. As we move into the Holiday season, we are all reminded to hold our loved ones closely and never take a day for granted.”

“Though their time in Cochrane was not long enough, Nicole, Zoe and Pyper made a lasting impact on our library and our community,” the Cochrane library said in its tribute.

“Their family became an important part of our shared life here, and they will be remembered with great affection. To our beloved library community and everyone in Cochrane mourning this loss, please know that we are preparing to welcome you and your tributes for the family.”

‘Devastated’ by the loss

The Cochrane Minor Soccer Club said its members are “devastated by the loss of Nicole, Zoe and Pyper.”

“Their family holds a special place in the history and heart of our club,” the club said in a post Dec. 23.

“Their family’s impact on our club and our community will be lasting. They helped shape who we are. We extend our deepest condolences to Jason and to all who loved them. They will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and affection by us all.”

The City of Dryden also released a statement, saying it was “heartbroken” by the “tragic loss.”

Jason Boyer, a former town employee in Cochrane, is now the director of community services in Dryden.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” Dryden CAO Roger Nesbitt said in the statement.

“Our entire municipal team and the broad community are grieving alongside Jason. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with him and his extended family as they face this devastating tragedy.”

“We will do everything we can to support Jason as he navigates this horrific tragedy.”