An Ottawa father is facing multiple impaired and dangerous driving charges following a December 2025 crash near Perth that killed his 10-year-old son and injured two others, including an Ontario Provincial Police officer.
Matthew Bigras, 40, has been charged with impaired operation causing bodily harm and death, as well as dangerous operation causing bodily harm and death. The collision occurred on Highway 7, east of Perth, when the pickup truck he was driving collided head-on with a marked OPP cruiser.
His son, Michael, was travelling in the truck along with another adult passenger. Emergency crews attempted life-saving measures at the scene before the boy was airlifted to a trauma centre. His mother later said he suffered catastrophic injuries after being thrown through the windshield and was declared brain dead just days before his 11th birthday.
Bigras, the passenger, and the OPP officer all sustained serious injuries. Police said the officer’s injuries were not life-threatening.
A fundraiser created to help the family with funeral and related expenses raised more than $80,000. The campaign stated the family had been returning home from their trailer when the truck allegedly hit black ice and crossed into oncoming traffic.
The accused has been released from custody and is expected to appear in an Ontario Court of Justice courtroom in Perth on Aug. 24.