MUSKOKA LAKES, ON- An American media outlet is reporting that well-known Canadian Shark Tank judge Kevin O’Leary’s boat was involved in the recent fatal crash near Emerald Island.
The crash occurred near Emerald Island in Seguin Township around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night. One man, a 64 year old from Florida, was fatally injured.
A 48-year-old woman from Markham also sustained critical injuries, and was taken to hospital.
The OPP has put multiple resources into the investigation of the crash, including forensic services and the marine collision unit. The investigation is being directed by Detective Inspector Martin Graham, of the Criminal Investigation Branch out of Orillia.
On Monday, Graham told the MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom that it was too soon to say whether or not alcohol played a role in the incident, though that question formed part of the investigation.
Graham stated that the two vessels involved were both pleasure craft, with both the Florida man and Markham woman on the same boat. The pair had been passengers on a 13-person vessel that was out for an evening cruise, enjoying the night sky and a fireworks display.
The other vessel was smaller, with the operators on the way back to their residence after having gone out for the evening. Graham described it as a “tow boat”, possibly of Mastercraft brand.
One of the boats was “definitely moving” according to Graham, but it’s not been determined if they were both in motion when the collision occurred.
Two people on the smaller vessel needed to go to the hospital after the crash, but have since been released. The 64-year-old man was also a visitor to the Muskoka area, staying at a friends cottage.
American tabloid TMZ is now reporting that the smaller boat was owned by O’Leary, and struck the larger boat, going directly over the bow and striking the Florida man in the head. He was killed instantly.
TMZ is citing a source close to the owner of the larger vessel. The MyMuskokaNow.com newsroom received similar information on Tuesday, and followed up with the OPP, who declined to comment given the early stage of the investigation.
The newsroom sent an inquiry to O’Leary’s media contact, which has not yet been answered.
The OPP also declined to comment about the state of the running lights on either vessel at the time of the incident.
TMZ’s report states that their source indicated O’Leary and his wife were on their boat at the time of the crash, but they were unable to confirm it. However, they say they spoke with O’Leary, who told them he was following police protocol, and would not comment.
The TMZ report also indicated that O’Leary’s boat “immediately left” the scene of the accident, but it was towed to a marina on Monday by a salvage boat with police officers onboard.
Their report states the vessel has been seized for forensic testing. It also states there were eight people onboard the larger vessel at the time of the crash.
No criminal charges have been filed at this time.