Investigators say the incident occurred after the driver pulled onto the shoulder of the highway and exited his vehicle. For reasons still under investigation, a passing vehicle collided with both the parked car and the individual standing nearby.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and provided immediate medical assistance. The victim was airlifted to a Toronto-area trauma centre with life-threatening injuries. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Police confirmed that the driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. No additional injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision and are appealing to members of the public for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area at the time of the crash is urged to contact investigators.
The heartbreaking fatality serves as a stark reminder of the dangers motorists face when stopped along busy highways. Road safety officials encourage drivers to exercise extreme caution, remain visible, and move as far away from traffic as possible when exiting a vehicle on the roadside.
The investigation remains ongoing.