The three victims hit by a vehicle in south-end Barrie last week continue to receive care at a Toronto trauma centre and their conditions are improving.
Two of the victims were identified earlier today (Dec. 9) by Empower Simcoe as 52-year-old community support worker Melanie Smith and client Jeff Janes, who is supported by the organization.
The third person, a man whose identity is not being disclosed, has also been confirmed as receiving support from Empower Simcoe, which provides services to people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Both Janes and the unnamed man have previously been identified as athletes who have been involved with local Special Olympics.
The collision happened around 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 1, at Mapleview and Bayview drives. The group was heading to a Barrie Colts game at Sadlon Arena when the crash occurred.
All three pedestrians were taken to hospital with serious injuries: two were then airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma centre. The third pedestrian and the driver of the vehicle were transported to a local hospital. However, the pedestrian was also later flown by air ambulance to a Toronto hospital for treatment.
“Empower Simcoe is very grateful for your outpouring of thoughts, prayers and wishes of support toward the individuals impacted by the car accident on Dec. 1,” stated the organization’s chief executive officer, Dr. Claudine Cousins. “Our Empower Simcoe team is truly grateful for the support shown by the Barrie community.”
A GoFundMe page started by Empower Simcoe has so far raised almost $15,000 toward its $50,000 goal, with all of the money going directly to all three victims and their families.
Cassie Korzenko, 32, of Barrie, has been charged with three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm in connection to the collision. She appeared in court Dec. 8 via video remand from Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) in Penetanguishene. She was held over for another court appearance scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13 as she awaits a bail hearing.
Barrie police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or may have dash-cam footage to contact police at 705-725-7025.
