A devastating crash in south-end Barrie recently claimed the life of 19-year-old Varsil Patel, a promising Georgian College student from India who was studying computer programming.
The incident occurred on July 21 at the intersection of Big Bay Point Road and Leggott Avenue, where police say Patel was struck by a vehicle while walking near the crossing around 10 p.m. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the collision, Barrie police communications co-ordinator Peter Leon confirmed that a search warrant had been granted for the suspect vehicle believed to have been involved in the crash. However, accessing information from its computer system could take some time, according to city police.
The alleged driver, 19-year-old Jacob Throop from Barrie, was arrested at the scene and is facing serious charges, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and failure to stop after a collision causing death. After a bail hearing, Throop was released from custody the following day and is scheduled to appear in court via video on Monday, Aug. 28 at 9 a.m.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
As the investigation continues, Leon likened the vehicle's computer system to an airplane's black box, capable of revealing critical data about the moments leading up to a collision. However, sometimes these devices are damaged and may not be usable, in which case investigators rely on other methods to gather essential information, he said.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community rallied together to support Patel's family. A GoFundMe campaign was launched on July 22, raising more than $42,000 in just two days. The money will primarily cover funeral expenses and the transportation of Patel's body back to India, with the remaining amount going to assist his family during this difficult time.
Patel's cousin, Rajan, who resides in Mississauga, spoke to BarrieToday and expressed the family's grief and determination to bring their loved one's body back home. He highlighted that Patel, being an only child, was not only studying to better his future but also working to support his family back in India. The outpouring of generosity from many individuals has been instrumental in easing the financial burden on the grieving family, he said.
The police investigation revealed that Patel was crossing Big Bay Point Road from the south side to a plaza on the north side when the westbound vehicle struck him. The vehicle was later found at a nearby plaza on the southeast corner of Huronia and Big Bay Point roads, where it had caught fire.
Patel worked at the Circle K store in the plaza at Big Bay Point Road and Leggott Avenue where the tragedy occurred. However, it remains uncertain whether he was heading to or leaving work at the time of the collision. Employees at the store declined to comment on the incident.
As the Georgian College community mourns the loss of one of its own, the school issued a heartfelt message of condolence, expressing its deepest sympathies to Patel's family, friends, classmates, and instructors. In his memory, the Georgian College flag at the Barrie campus was lowered to half-mast.
Amidst the grief, the college is offering free and confidential counselling to students and employees, providing a support system during this difficult period. The tragedy has left a profound impact on the community, highlighting the importance of road safety and fostering unity during times of hardship.
Video Summary:
A 19-year-old Georgian college student tragically lost his life when he was struck and killed while walking along Big Bay Point Road. The incident occurred late on a Friday night, and the suspect driver was taken to court on Saturday morning. A publication ban was swiftly imposed on the case, restricting the release of some information. However, it was later revealed that the ban only covered details related to the court proceedings and not the driver's identity.
Police say the victim was crossing Big Bay Point when he was struck.
As for the suspect, Jacob Throop, no new updates or additional charges have been reported since his initial arrest. The court proceedings are expected to resume in a couple of weeks.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
Meanwhile, the Georgian College community has been deeply affected by the tragedy, and support services are being offered to students and staff. Georgian College released a statement informing individuals that they are available to provide assistance and support.
Sadly, this is not the only tragedy involving an international student in the area. A month before this incident, another individual was struck along Highway 400, and the circumstances surrounding this case remain unclear. Some speculate that the victim may have been disoriented while walking at night, leading to the tragic accident.
The community has been shaken by these events, and both incidents have had a profound impact on those involved and the wider community.
