Ontario man killed in collision with unmarked OPP vehicle identified
Tributes have started pouring in for a Midland, Ont. man who died after reportedly being struck by an unmarked provincial police vehicle over the weekend.
Noah Landriault is being remembered as kindhearted with a zest for life.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says the 25-year-old man was on foot when a police vehicle hit him around 6 a.m. Sunday on Muskoka Road 169 in Bala.
The agency says he was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Landriault was a talented lacrosse player who played with several Simcoe County organizations.
"He was just so compassionate, so thoughtful for friends and family, his siblings and his parents," said his former lacrosse coach Brian Blanks.
Rob Blasdell later scouted Landriault for the Orillia Junior B Kings, who, like many, are trying to cope with news of his death.
"When you're this close to somebody, it's just a shock. I mean, it's something you just can't believe happened," Blasdell said. "It's just an incredibly sad day for this entire area. Noah touched a lot of kids and a lot of people."
In a social media post, the Orillia Junior B Kings also posted about his death: "As a player and coach, Noah always brought energy and enthusiasm to the rink. His positive attitude and love for the game were contagious."
The Midland Titans Lacrosse organization posted on social media that Landriault was a "talented lacrosse player with a kind heart."
"Noah's smile lit up every room, and his positive attitude will forever leave a lasting impact on our club," noted the West Durham Ironheads Junior B Lacrosse organization.
At the time of this article, a GoFundMe campaign launched in Landriault's name had surpassed $41,000, with more than 400 donations, for the family.
The campaign, organized by Monica Smith, says that Landriault worked part-time as a bartender at The Kee to Bala and had a full-time job at the Muskoka Sauna Company.
"He loved sports (particularly lacrosse), his family, and hanging out with his friends," it reads in part. "Noah was just starting to find his place in this world as a young adult when this happened."
Several SIU investigators assigned to the case are probing what happened that morning.
The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates any police conduct that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Live election results: Trump elected 47th U.S. president
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday, clearing the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.
BREAKING Trump wins the White House in political comeback rooted in appeals to frustrated voters
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.
PM Trudeau congratulates Donald Trump on presidential victory
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Donald Trump early Wednesday morning on his second United States presidential election win.
Trump's second term will look nothing like his first
Donald Trump's election victory will return him to the White House, but both his allies and detractors have made clear his second time around will look nothing like the first.
Republicans take U.S. Senate majority and eye unified power with Trump
Republicans have taken control of the U.S. Senate and are fighting to keep their majority in the U.S. House, which would produce a full sweep of GOP power in Congress alongside U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in the White House.
Hurricane Rafael becomes a Category 2 storm as it barrels toward Cuba
Hurricane Rafael strengthened into a Category 2 storm on Wednesday just hours before it was forecast to make landfall on Wednesday in western Cuba.
'I'm still in shock': Brampton, Ont. landlord caught in e-transfer interception fraud
A Brampton, Ont. landlord says he's shocked after two e-transfers he was meant to receive were blocked from his account by scammers.
B.C. parents sue Irish nanny for quitting on short notice
Two parents filed a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court last week seeking damages from their former nanny, alleging she quit on short notice and "never said goodbye to the children."
Blues forward leaves rink on stretcher after being struck in neck by puck
St. Louis Blues forward Dylan Holloway left Tuesday night's contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning and departed the rink on a stretcher after being struck by a puck late in the first period.