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Police blocked Highway 7 early this morning after an accident that police describe as "serous."
Rosanne Lake
Three people are dead and two others in serious condition after a fatal accident on Hwy. 7 near Perth on Wednesday, Feb. 21, between Maberly and Sharbot Lake.
Lanark County OPP officers confirmed that the drivers of two vans that collided head on due to black ice on the highway were dead at the scene, along with a passenger in the westbound vehicle.
Dead are Karen Thompson, 39, of Mountain Grove, who was eastbound at 7:30 a.m. when she collided with the van driven by John Duffy, 47, who was travelling westbound. Also dead is Duffy’s son, Thomas Duffy, 16, both of Orleans. A second son, 10-year-old Eric Duffy is in serious condition at CHEO, along with family friend, who is also listed in serious condition at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, 53-year-old Steve Hambling.
Thomas Duffy was recognized for his skiing prowess at a recent awards ceremony at Algonquin College in Ottawa. He was a freestyle skier out of Camp Fortune, and won the freestyle skiing award. He won a gold medal in moguls at the Ontario Junior Championships, and competed in the junior national championship and the 2011 Canadian Series.
OPP said the Duffys were on their way to a ski competition near Barrie at the time of the accident.
The Central Frontenac Fire Department and the BBDE Fire Department assisted police officers on scene. The highway reopened after several hours while the accident was investigated.
Police still seek anyone who has information regarding the accident and to call 613-267-2626.