The Bobs Lake Boat Crash: A Tragedy Unfolds, Investigation Continues
On the evening of May 18, 2024, the tranquil waters of Bobs Lake, nestled just north of Kingston, Ontario, became the scene of a devastating boating accident that claimed the lives of three young individuals and left five others injured. The incident involved a collision between a speedboat and a fishing boat, with the speedboat ending up on top of the smaller vessel. The victims, Riley Orr, Juliette Cote, and Kaila Bearman, all between the ages of 21 and 23, tragically lost their lives at the scene. The five injured survivors, whose ages ranged from 21 to 44, were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) immediately launched an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. After five months of meticulous work, the first set of charges were laid on October 30, 2024. Matthew Splinter, a 44-year-old resident of South Frontenac Township, was arrested and faced a series of serious charges, including three counts of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death, three counts of dangerous operation of a conveyance causing bodily harm, impaired operation causing death, and impaired operation causing bodily harm. These charges suggest that both reckless operation and impairment played a role in the tragic incident.
The investigation, however, did not conclude with Splinter’s arrest. On December 2, 2024, the OPP announced additional charges against a second individual, a 27-year-old man also from South Frontenac Township. This time, the charges pertained to violations of the Canada Shipping Act. Specifically, the man was charged with failing to display proper lighting on his vessel, including the stern light and sidelights, and operating a non-human-powered pleasure craft without sufficient personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lifejackets for all individuals on board. These charges, while not directly related to the collision itself, highlight potential safety deficiencies that may have contributed to the severity of the incident.
The identity of the second accused has not been publicly released by the OPP. He is scheduled to appear before the Provincial Offences Court in Kingston on January 13, 2025. The ongoing nature of the investigation underscores the OPP’s commitment to uncovering all contributing factors to the tragedy. They continue to appeal to the public for any information related to the incident, urging individuals to contact the Frontenac OPP Detachment directly or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
The Bobs Lake boat crash serves as a grim reminder of the importance of boating safety. The charges laid against both individuals involved point to several crucial safety aspects: responsible vessel operation, avoiding impairment while operating a boat, and ensuring the presence of proper safety equipment such as life jackets and functioning lights. The incident has undoubtedly left a profound impact on the families and friends of the victims, as well as the wider community.
As the investigation continues, the legal proceedings will shed further light on the events of that fateful May evening. The outcomes of these proceedings will hopefully provide some measure of closure for the grieving families and reinforce the importance of adhering to boating safety regulations to prevent future tragedies. The OPP’s dedication to conducting a thorough investigation reflects their commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of Ontario’s waterways.
