Skip to content

Charges laid in fatal Highway 17 West crash

The highway was closed in both directions for just over seven and half hours
2024-highway-17-west-sign-cu-turl
File photo Highway 17 West

OPP has laid charges against the driver involved in a fatal collision on Highway 17 West this summer.

On August 23 at 7 a.m., Nipissing West OPP was called to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 17, west of Verner.

Two passenger vehicles were involved and one person died at the scene while another was taken to the local hospital by EMS.

The highway was closed in both directions for just over seven and half hours.

See: Highway open. Fatal collision near Verner this morning

Andre Ayotte, 35, from Verner was arrested and charged with:

  • Careless driving causing death
  • Driver - fails to wear a seat belt properly
  • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was prohibited or restricted weapon
  • Knowledge of the unauthorized possession of a weapon
  • Possession of a firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order

Ayotte is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice on October 3 in North Bay.