An Ottawa man in his 40s tragically lost his life while camping with his 10-year-old child at a Mallorytown, Ont., campsite when a tree fell on their tent. The incident, which occurred during a storm, resulted in the man’s death and left the child with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Emergency services were alerted to the situation early Sunday morning, prompting a response from the Ontario Provincial Police. According to OPP Const. Joey Mason, campground employees contacted the police after the child sought help, revealing that the father had been struck by the fallen tree while inside the tent.
The child, who sustained head injuries, was found conscious and is expected to recover. However, the father was pronounced dead at the scene. The Office of the Chief Coroner will conduct a postmortem to determine the exact cause of death.
The campground where the tragic incident took place, the 1000 Islands/Mallorytown KOA Holiday, expressed deep sorrow over the loss and extended condolences to the affected family. The company’s senior vice-president emphasized the support being provided to those impacted by the devastating event.
Described as a severe microburst, the storm that led to the tree falling also caused damage in the surrounding area. Witnesses reported multiple trees down and debris scattered throughout the campground, highlighting the intensity of the weather conditions.
Following the incident in Mallorytown, another camping-related emergency occurred in Algonquin Park, where a 13-year-old boy was injured when a tree struck his tent during the same storm. The boy was airlifted to the hospital for treatment, underscoring the dangers posed by severe weather during outdoor activities.
The tragic events serve as a reminder of the unpredictable risks associated with camping, especially in regions prone to severe weather conditions. Campers are urged to prioritize safety measures, including selecting secure camping spots and staying informed about weather forecasts to minimize potential hazards.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incidents, the camping community mourns the loss of a fellow outdoor enthusiast and hopes for a swift recovery for those injured in these unfortunate accidents.
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