Man driving other boat struck by vessel captained by Linda O'Leary testifies in Parry Sound courthouse
The man involved in a deadly boat crash two years ago on Lake Joseph testified in the Parry Sound courthouse Tuesday about the day another boat driven by Linda O'Leary hit the vessel he was aboard.
Dr. Richard Ruh told the court he took over captaining the boat on the night of Aug. 24, 2019, from its owner, Dr. Irv Edwards, about five minutes into their group's stargazing trip when he saw boat lights approaching.
Ruh testified that by the time he counted to five in his head, they had been struck by the other vessel. He estimated it was travelling roughly 20 miles per hour at the time.
The boat that struck Edward's had Linda and Kevin O'Leary onboard, with Linda at the helm, according to an agreed statement of facts read on Monday in court.
Ruh said the boat carrying the O'Leary's climbed above the waterline and slammed into the vessel, hitting Gary Poltash, 64, from Florida, and Suzana Brito, 48, from Uxbridge, Ont., who were seated at the front.
Ruh told the court Poltash suffered a blow to his head, and Brito wasn't breathing. He said he gave her CPR, getting her breathing again, adding Poltash died on the dock while Brito passed away days later.
The doctor also testified he is a defendant in six civil suits connected to the deadly collision, including a charge of failing to exhibit a navigation light while underway.
On Tuesday, he said the lights were on. Defence lawyer Brian Greenspan disagreed.
Greenspan said Ruh had given earlier statements saying the moonlights on the boat were off, and surveillance video made the boat appear invisible.
"Your boat was unlit until after the collision," Greenspan said to Dr. Ruh, who differed.
Ruh told the court he paid a $125 ticket for not having the navigation light on - a ticket he contested for more than a year. He signed an attestation of "neither innocence nor guilt."
Linda O'Leary, the wife of celebrity businessman and former politician, Kevin O'Leary, is charged with careless operation of a vessel - she has pleaded not guilty.
Legal analysts said a guilty verdict would make way for lawsuits in civil court.
The trial continues on Wednesday, with two women from the Buffalo area who were said to be on the boat at the time of the crash testifying.
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.