A 14-year-old boy killed in a snowmobile crash in Zorra Township is being remembered for his kindness and the positive impact he had on those around him.
Dominic Cross, a Grade 9 student at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, died Saturday in hospital after his snowmobile collided with a pickup truck at a rural intersection south of St. Marys. Police said Monday that their investigation is ongoing and did not indicate whether any charges are being considered against the driver.
Friends and family have described Cross as a promising young person whose loss has deeply affected the community. A GoFundMe post from a family friend noted the profound void left by his passing, and the fundraiser has drawn widespread support as people rally to help his family.
Cross played minor hockey with the Thamesford Area Minor Hockey Association’s U15 Green team and was known for enjoying outdoor activities and building things. Those close to the family declined interviews with CBC News.
Snowmobiling has been especially popular in the region this winter, with trail conditions allowing for unusually high use. Brandon Bowen, president of the Thamesford Snowmobile Club, said this is the first fatal incident he has known in seven years, emphasizing how rare such tragedies are.
Bowen urged riders to follow safety basics, including obeying speed limits, fully stopping at road crossings, and keeping to the right on narrow trails. He stressed the importance of taking time to stop and check, noting how quickly accidents can happen.
Students and staff at Cross’s school were offered mental health support, and the Thames Valley District School Board expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death. Members of his hockey team also shared messages of grief online, describing themselves as “hurting deeply” and offering support to his family, friends, and teammates.