Driver Charged After Fatal Crash with Lawn Mower

A 16-year-old girl from Cambridge, Ont., has been charged in relation to a crash that resulted in the death of a 51-year-old man from North Dumfries Township last month, police reported on Wednesday.

Nathan Smith, 51, was riding his lawnmower on Clyde Road shortly after 10 a. m. ET on June 15 when he was hit by a BMW. He was declared dead at the scene.

The driver, also a 16-year-old girl from Cambridge, did not suffer any injuries.

The Waterloo Regional Police Service stated that the girl faces charges for dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, speeding, and two counts of stunt driving.

According to police regarding the speeding charge, they claim the driver was going 191 km/h in a zone limited to 50 km/h.

Initially, police did not disclose whether anyone else was in the car but later confirmed there were three passengers. The passengers-ages 15, 16, and 17-all from Cambridge-have been charged with two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Fall crash involving teens unrelated to recent one

There was another crash involving teens last fall; however, Const. Melissa Quarrie told that these incidents are not connected.

In October, four teenagers were hospitalized with serious injuries after their vehicle veered off Clyde Road and crashed into a hydro pole.

Police noted it seemed like the driver, a 15-year-old girl from Cambridge, lost control of her vehicle.

The passengers-a boy and two girls from Cambridge-were transported to hospitals via land and air ambulance.

Residents call for safety measures

During a township council meeting on June 22, residents John Duench and Ashley Elzinga expressed concerns about traffic safety along Clyde Road.

Duench shared a letter during his presentation written by Smith’s daughter, Jasmine Smith.

“If I had a dollar for every speeding car that went by, I’d be able to afford a house on Clyde Road myself. At best, the sounds were an annoyance; at worst it was the death of my father,” the letter said.

In her letter, Smith urged for speed bumps and cameras while pleading with council to take action.

“Do it for my father. Do it for the current and future residents for Clyde and those passing through. No one should have to feel unsafe and unheard in their community,” the letter said.

“If some action had been taken sooner I believe my dad would have finished mowing the lawn. He would have gone back inside and continued his day. I would have seen him again.”

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