Falling tree injures three, one fatally in Ayr

One person has been killed and two others injured following a weather-related tragedy in Ayr. 

According to OPP West Region, one person was killed on Saturday when the severe thunderstorm that swept across southern Ontario made its way through Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, causing a tree to fall on a camping trailer. 

Responding to that area shortly before 12:30 p.m., Brant County emergency services located three individuals, transporting them to hospital. Two of those individuals suffered minor injuries, though the third sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead in hospital.

OPP note that the significant weather event also resulted in trees being felled at another campsite in the Pinehurst Lake Conservation Area, though no injuries were reported. 

As clean-up efforts continue, the Grand River Conservation Authority has closed off its trails and natural areas to allow staff to evaluate the damage. According to a release from the GRCA, that closure applies to all rail trails – including the Elora-Cataract Trailway, Cambridge-Brantford Trail, SC Johnston Trail from Paris to Brantford, and the Brantford Hamilton Rail Trail. 

All GRCA natural areas are also closed – including Dumfries in Cambridge, Snyder's Flats in Bloomingdale, FWR Dickson/Bannister Lake just south of Cambridge and Starkey Hill in Guelph. 

They note that the closure does not apply to Grand River Conservation Areas, except for Pinehurst Lake which will remain closed to public access until further notice. 

The status of Grand River Conservation Areas can be reviewed on the GRCA website – along with trail and natural area closures. 

Sad news to deliver! 1 person is deceased and 2 others were injured after a tree fell on a camping trailer at @PinehurstLake. #OPP continuing to investigate and updates will be provided when new information becomes available. @BrantCommunity @grandriverca #BrantOPP ^es pic.twitter.com/OkpAkRW4se

— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) May 21, 2022