A community is in mourning following the loss of a young hockey player described as “a vibrant young man with a sweet soul.”
Provincial police confirmed that Tyler Arts, 17, of Zorra Township was the victim in a crash involving a transport truck Wednesday afternoon.
The crash happened on County Road 84 between 25th Line and 27th Line, northeast of Thamesford, as Arts was heading home from school.
Police say his westbound car lost control, colliding head-on with eastbound the transport truck. OPP say there were no passengers in the vehicle and the driver of the transport truck was not injured.
Thursday morning the Ingersoll District Minor Hockey Association posted the following about Tyler on Facebook:
"It is with a heavy and broken heart that I relay the passing of one of our players ...Tyler Arts ..who succumbed to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision today on his way home from school. He was a vibrant young man with a sweet soul and huge heart. He will be missed by many. Heartfelt Condolences to his parents, Rick and Dale, his siblings, family and friends. TA7 will never be forgotten as he engulfed a part of everyone’s heart who has ever met him."
The school community at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute is also feeling the loss. Counsellors were on hand Thursday as students returned to classes.
A memorial was the first thing visitors entering the school Thursday afternoon would see, and the messages from students will later be given to Tyler's family.
Above and beyond his athletics, students say he'll be remembered for being a good friend and for having a great smile that could light up a room.
Police say the the investigation continues into the cause of the fatal collision.
