A tragic car crash in rural southwest Ottawa has left a young woman dead and led to criminal charges against the driver. Police say the rollover happened Friday afternoon near Richmond, about 30 kilometers from the city center.
Emergency teams responded to the crash at around 3:40 p.m. after a pickup truck carrying two people veered off Garvin Road and rolled over. The road is located in a quiet rural area often used by local drivers heading in and out of the village.
The woman, believed to be in her 20s, was found unresponsive at the scene. Despite early calls for an air ambulance, paramedics confirmed her death shortly after arriving. The helicopter was then called off.
The driver, a 25-year-old man, was treated for minor injuries at the scene. Police say he has now been charged with two serious offenses: impaired operation causing death and dangerous driving causing death. These charges are among the most severe in traffic-related cases and could lead to significant jail time if the driver is found guilty.
Local residents say the road where the crash happened has a history of speed-related issues, though it is not known whether speed played a role in this crash. Police have not confirmed if any other factors contributed to the vehicle leaving the road.
Authorities are still piecing together what led to the deadly rollover. Investigators are asking anyone who saw the crash or has dashcam video from the area to come forward. Witness statements and visual evidence could be key in understanding exactly what happened in the moments before the truck flipped.
The death marks another painful reminder of the dangers of impaired driving. Road safety experts stress that even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can affect a driver’s reaction time and decision-making. In this case, the result was fatal.
Police say the investigation is active and ongoing. The name of the victim has not been released, as her family is still being notified. Support services have been offered to the relatives and loved ones affected by the crash.
Every year, impaired driving leads to hundreds of serious crashes across the country. This incident adds to a growing number of cases that highlight the risk of getting behind the wheel under the influence. Authorities continue to warn drivers to make safer choices—use a designated driver, call a cab, or stay put if there’s any doubt about fitness to drive.
Garvin Road remains open to traffic, but police may return to the area as part of their investigation. People who travel the road regularly are being urged to check their dashcam footage from Friday afternoon, especially around the time of the crash.
Anyone with helpful information is encouraged to contact Ottawa Police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers. Every detail, no matter how small, may help bring clarity to what happened on that quiet stretch of road.
As the community mourns the young woman’s death, officials continue to call for action against impaired driving. This tragedy, police say, could have been prevented.
