Two people have been charged in connection to an August fatal boat crash on Lake Joseph in Ontario that involved Kevin O’Leary.
OPP say Linda O’Leary has been charged with careless operation of a vessel contrary to the Canada Shipping Act.
READ MORE: Family, friends mourn 2 who lost lives in Ontario boating accident involving Kevin O’Leary
Linda O’Leary is the wife of Canadian businessman and TV star Kevin O’Leary.
Richard Ruh, 57, from Orchard Park, N.Y., has also been charged with failing to exhibit a navigation light while underway contrary to the Canada Shipping Act, OPP add.
The crash, which occurred in late August in Seguin, Ont., claimed the lives of Gary Poltash, 64, from Florida, and Suzana Brito, 48, from Uxbridge. Three people were also injured as a result of the incident.
The two boats reportedly collided on Lake Joseph near Emerald Island at about 11:30 p.m. on August 24.
READ MORE: Kevin O’Leary on boat involved in fatal crash on Lake Joseph in Ontario
“Because it is before the courts, we’re not going to be speaking to any specifics as to how the crash occurred,” OPP Staff Sgt. Carolle Dionne told Global News.
“The OPP won’t comment on specifics relating to the vessel ownership, the occupants or the type of vessel.”
Dionne said she also can’t comment specifically on the allegation that Linda O’Leary’s driving was careless.
“I can’t get into the specifics of her action, how she was being careless,” she said. “The evidence that was gathered through the investigation determined that her action was careless, hence the reason why she was charged.”
After the crash occurred at the end of August, Kevin O’Leary released a statement that said the other boat involved in the collision “had no navigation lights on and then fled the scene.”
Dionne confirmed Tuesday that both boats left the scene to seek emergency assistance. “Both vessels did leave the scene, but that was to seek assistance,” she added.
Police say the Canada Shipping Act is a federal responsibility, so the Public Prosecution Service of Canada will be managing the ensuing court processes.
Linda O’Leary is scheduled to appear in provincial offences court in Parry Sound on Oct. 29.
Dionne said Ruh doesn’t have a court date because his charge is a set fine, commonly known as a ticket.
Dionne said the OPP’s investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Kevin O’Leary’s rep gave the following statement to Entertainment Tonight: “Now that the authorities have concluded their thorough investigation, I have no further comment other than to say that our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those who lost loved ones in this awful tragedy. Our hearts go out to them.”
~With files from ET Canada
