A tragic accident has claimed the life of a senior citizen in the Durham Region. On the night of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, a 77-year-old pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross a busy thoroughfare in Ajax. Despite the rapid response of emergency personnel and the efforts of a Toronto trauma centre, the man succumbed to his injuries. The incident has led to a significant police investigation and a plea for public assistance to determine exactly what happened.
The Westney Road Collision
The collision took place just after 10:00 p.m. near the intersection of Westney Road and Bramwell Drive. According to investigators from the Durham Regional Police, the 77-year-old pedestrian was crossing Westney Road when he was hit by a southbound Hyundai sedan. The car was being driven by a 22-year-old woman at the time of the impact.
First responders arrived on the scene and found the man with life-threatening injuries. He was immediately transported to a specialized trauma centre in Toronto, where he was tragically pronounced dead. The driver of the Hyundai was not physically injured in the crash and remained on the scene to cooperate fully with the responding officers.
Police Investigation and Road Closures
The Durham Regional Police Collision Investigation Unit took over the scene shortly after the accident. To facilitate a thorough forensic analysis, a major stretch of Westney Road—from Highway 401 north to Kingston Road—was closed to all traffic for several hours. The roadway was eventually reopened to the public before the Wednesday morning commute.
At this stage, the cause of the collision remains under active investigation. No charges have been laid, and police are currently examining environmental factors, visibility, and vehicle data to reconstruct the event.
Public Appeal for Evidence
The Collision Investigation Unit is specifically asking for help from anyone who may have been in the area of Westney Road and Bramwell Drive at 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Residents and commuters are encouraged to check their recording devices for any footage of the 77-year-old pedestrian or the southbound vehicle.
Specifically, D/Cst. Latour is looking for:
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Dashcam Footage: From vehicles travelling on Westney Road near the 401 during the time of the collision.
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Surveillance Video: From local businesses or homes that overlook the intersection.
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Witness Statements: From anyone who may have seen the pedestrian prior to the accident.
If you have any information that could assist in this case, please contact the Durham Regional Police at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5226. Anonymous tips can also be shared with Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where informants may be eligible for a cash reward.
