33-year-old man killed in fatal Highway 17 crash
A 33-year-old man from Wawa has been identified as the victim killed in the fatal crash on Highway 17 last week.
Christian "Chris" "Dude" Casavant was on his way in for his last night shift Nov. 29 when he was killed, his widow told CTV News in a message through social media. His obituary said he was in fire service and mine rescue and his social media profile said he was a volunteer firefighter for the Wawa Fire Department.
Chris Casavant was involved in mine rescue and fire services. (Supplied)
The northbound pickup truck he was riding in collided with a southbound commercial motor vehicle near the intersection of Highway 17 and Highway 519, about 40 kilometres north of Wawa, around 5:47 p.m. last Tuesday, Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Monday morning.
The victim, a passenger riding in the pickup truck, was pronounced deceased at the scene and the driver of the pickup truck was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the commercial vehicle was not injured in the crash, police said.
Casavant leaves behind a wife, Jes Aasmae, and son, Barrett.
"He was the sweetest, kindest, strongest soul I will ever know … he’d drop anything and help anyone out," Aasmae said.
"The funniest man alive. Such a sharp whit and the best jokes you could ever imagine … there’s so much to say, but I'm completely shattered by him being ripped from us."
Christian 'Chris' Casavant was a volunteer firefighter with Wawa Fire Department. (Supplied)
"Members of the northeast region traffic incident management and enforcement team are assisting with the ongoing investigation," police said.
"The Superior East OPP is seeking assistance from anyone who may have witnessed the collision. If you were in the area of Highway 17 and Highway 519 between 5:00 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. on Nov. 29, please call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave a tip online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca."
A celebration of life will be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, Wawa on Dec. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.