Tragedy struck last Tuesday just as Canada Day celebrations were wrapping up across the Rainy River District.
Around 10 p.m., July 1st, a well known resident of Pinewood lost his life in a fatal motor accident.
John Kingsley “King” Downs, 61, was returning home from a day of umping in Barwick when his vehicle struck the shoulder on Highway 11 just west of Stratton.
According to Cst. Caroline Spencer of the Fort Frances detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, Downs overcompensated when he attempted to return to the pavement. That caused his vehicle to overturn.
He was not wearing his seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle.
Coroner Elaine Spencer said that blood tests to see if alcohol was a factor have been taken and sent to the provincial forensic lab in Toronto. The results will not be know for a few weeks.
The funeral was held in Emo at the Christian Reform Church with approximately 500 in attendance.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
