The family of a Barrie woman who died in a head-on crash in Innisfil in May isn’t yet jumping to conclusions about what police say led to the collision.
In a brief email to BradfordToday, Renata Antoniuk, whose cousin, Tom, was 33-year-old Natasha Smith’s common-law husband, said she had seen reports in recent days that noted charges had been laid against the other driver involved in the fatal incident.
South Simcoe police say that on May 11, shortly before 2 a.m., emergency crews responded to the collision in the area of Yonge Street and 9th Line. A Chevrolet Impala and a Volkswagen Jetta were being driven in opposite directions when the Impala crossed into the other lane and struck the Jetta head-on.
Smith, who was driving the Impala, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The two occupants of the Jetta were removed from their vehicle and taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Writing on behalf of Smith’s family, Antoniuk said they continue to “await further results of the police investigation.”
Police said their investigation, which included a review of the toxicology report for the Jetta driver, has led to a 32-year-old Bradford woman being charged with operation while impaired (alcohol). Her name has not been released.
“Alcohol — even one drink — and many drugs can impair your ability to drive safely,” police spokesperson Isabella Soligo said in a statement. “Make the right choices and help prevent tragedies. Always drive sober to ensure you arrive alive and protect the lives of other motorists and pedestrians.”
In an interview days after the crash, Antoniuk said Smith was driving home when the collision occurred.
Smith had grown up in Innisfil and attended Nantyr Shores Secondary School. She had lived with Tom, her high-school crush, and they had two children — ages three and one — together.
“She always wanted to make sure everyone was happy and she was just really kind,” Antoniuk said at the time.
Anyone with information about this incident can still contact police at 705-436-2141, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. They can also submit information anonymously online at crimestopperssdm.com.
