(Ember Wynne, 13)
APTN National News
A 13 year-old Red Rock First Nation girl who played in the Little Native Hockey League tournament was killed in a car accident Wednesday while travelling home from Mississauga, Ont., where the event was hosted.
Ember Wynne wore number 19 and played defence for the Atikameksheng Eagles during the hockey tournament which includes teams and players ranging in ages from six to 16 years from First Nations across Ontario.
According to the OPP, the accident happened at about 8:19 p.m. on Hwy. 69. Wynne was in a van driven by William Tuck, 71. A three month-old child was also in the vehicle. All three were from Red Rock First Nation and all died from their injuries. Two other people in the van were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The OPP said the van was exiting Hwy 529 when it drove into the path of a tractor trailer on Hwy 69.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of our defenceman 19, Ember Wynne. Ember was a great addition to our team and she connected with all the girls,” said a statement from the Atikameksheng Eagles.
The team remembered Wynne telling coaches after the team’s second win, “This is such a great day.”
Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee said the incident was “a terrible tragedy.”
Audeck Omni Kaning First Nation Chief Patsy Corbiere and Whitefish River First Nation Chief Shining Turtle, whose communities co-hosted the tournament, also expressed sadness and said they were sending prayers to the impacted families.
Chico Ralf, little NHL vice-president in charge of the girls division, said his heart went out the families.
About 178 teams participated in the 44th edition of the tournament which used the theme “We are all Stars.”
@APTNNews
thats a tragedy. so sad.
No words. 🙁
My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected. It is a very difficult bend to navigate when turning into or off of hwy 529. My deepest condolences.
sending prayers to the family,
damn..:(
So sadd
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