Deborah Moxam, 58, of Capreol died in a head-on collision on Highway 144 on Jan. 6, one of two people killed in the crash. According to her family, she was deeply committed to helping others, particularly individuals with developmental disabilities, and was an active presence in her church and local community.
Moxam was the primary caregiver and emotional anchor for her three children: Donalda, Daniel and Damara. Damara was travelling with her mother at the time of the crash and survived but sustained serious head, neck and spinal injuries. She has since undergone four surgeries in Ottawa and will require long-term rehabilitation. Daniel and his wife are currently staying with her as she recovers, creating additional financial strain for the family.
Family members say the loss has intensified existing challenges. Both daughters live with mental health conditions and relied heavily on their mother for daily support. Damara had been living with Moxam and had no independent income, while Donalda receives ODSP benefits that were structured around contributing to her mother’s household. With that arrangement no longer possible, Donalda now faces the need to secure new housing and support services.
The family’s situation is further complicated by the fact that Moxam’s children lost their father unexpectedly six years ago and that she did not leave a will, leaving her estate to be settled through probate.
In response, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support the three siblings. By Tuesday afternoon, more than $31,000 had been raised, with family members describing the community response as overwhelming and essential to helping the children manage immediate and long-term needs.
The second person killed in the collision was a 53-year-old man from Sudbury. Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.