The American TV show TMZ is reporting that Shark Tank and former Dragons' Den star Kevin O'Leary was involved in a fatal boat crash on Lake Joseph in Muskoka, southwest of Huntsville, last weekend.
An OPP spokesman told BayToday that they would not confirm O'Leary's involvement as the investigation was complex and ongoing. However, a news release was promised "in the next few days" that would provide further details on the accident if charges were laid.
A 64-year-old Florida man and a 48-year-old woman from Uxbridge (incorrectly reported initially as Markham) were killed in the collision that happened at about 11:30.
TMZ says "a smaller boat -- owned by O'Leary -- rammed into a larger boat ... going directly over its bow and striking a male passenger in the head, killing him instantly.
A source connected to the owner of the larger boat told TMZ that they informed the police that there was enough light to ID the people on O'Leary's boat.
O'Leary's wife Linda was driving the boat at the time of the crash, and she was administered a DUI test that night and passed says the TMZ story.
Later O'Leary issued a statement to TMZ, "Late Saturday night I was a passenger in a boat that had a tragic collision with another craft that had no navigation lights on and then fled the scene of the accident. I am fully cooperating with authorities.
"Out of respect for the families who have lost loved ones and to fully support the ongoing investigation, I feel it is inappropriate to make further comments at this time. My thoughts are with all the families affected."
The investigation is being conducted by OPP North East Region Crime Unit, North East Regional Support Team, OPP Forensic Identification Services, and the OPP Technical Marine Collision Unit under the direction of OPP Detective Inspector Martin Graham.
