O'LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Loved ones mourn, want answers after American killed

spaminator

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O'LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Loved ones mourn, want answers after American killed
Liz Braun
Published:
August 28, 2019
Updated:
August 28, 2019 11:04 PM EDT
Gary Poltash. (Facebook)
Gary Poltash, 64, who died instantly in last week’s boating accident on Lake Joseph, was a successful chartered accountant with two children.
Poltash died August 24 when the boat he was on was struck by a boat belonging to Kevin O’Leary and his wife Linda. The smaller boat, which O’Leary claims was driven by Linda, went right over the bow of the other vessel, striking and killing Poltash.
Poltash had retired to Belleair Beach, a community near Clearwater, Fla., about three years ago, according to his older brother, Larry Poltash of California.
Gary Poltash grew up in Hawthorne, Calif., youngest in a Catholic family with three sons and a daughter. He attended Hawthorne High School and is a graduate of the University of South California. A CPA, Poltash worked for a large accounting firm for about a decade before branching out on his own with a business focused on property tax.
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Suzana Brito lived for her children
KEVIN O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Conflicting stories on fatal collision
O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Uxbridge mom second fatality
His adult son and daughter, both described as “absolutely beautiful kids” by Larry Poltash, are in their 20s.
Reached by phone, Larry Poltash said his niece and nephew will be coming to Canada in a few days in hopes of finding out the facts in their father’s death. According to Poltash, the driver of the boat his brother was on is a medical doctor and someone he describes as “cool, calm and collected — he does not panic.”
Poltash said he takes some comfort in the knowledge that his brother’s death was instantaneous. He is counting on his strong faith to see him through this tragedy, but he and his family members still want answers about what happened to Gary Poltash.
Displaying a forgiving nature, Larry Poltash says he hopes it was all just a terrible accident. He sincerely hopes nobody on the O’Leary’s boat is guilty of any wrongdoing.
If they are, however, “they’ve got to do time.”
http://torontosun.com/news/local-ne...er-american-killed-in-oleary-boating-accident
 

spaminator

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O'LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Suzana Brito lived for her children
Liz Braun
Published:
August 28, 2019
Updated:
August 28, 2019 11:58 PM EDT
Suzana Brito (Facebook)
A fatal boating accident on Lake Joseph has left three children motherless.
Suzana Brito, 48, died in hospital Monday, having been kept on life support after the accident, involving business tycoon Kevin O’Leary, late Saturday night so her organs could be harvested.
Lifelong friend Holly Canivet says that this final gesture of organ donation is typical of Brito.
Suzana Brito
“It doesn’t surprise me that she’d still be giving, even at the end of her life.”
On the phone, Canivet described her close friend as, “beautiful inside and out. She was an amazing mother, and her kids were her life. It sounds like a cliche, but nobody would ever have anything negative to say about her.
“Many, many people have been devastated by this.”
Canivet was at Queens and Brito was at St. Lawrence College when the two women met in Kingston 25 years ago; both worked part-time at a local restaurant during their student days. As adults, they often got together as their kids had become friends, too.
Canivet describes Brito as someone who loved travel and enjoyed playing tennis, but who was mostly engaged in raising her children, who are nine, 11 and 13.
“She was very involved in their activities and was always messaging me about doing things with the kids.”
Brito grew up in Whitby and lived in Toronto for a while as an adult, eventually moving to Uxbridge with her children. Besides them, she leaves a brother and a sister, and her parents.
KEVIN O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Conflicting stories on collision that killed two
KEVIN O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Uxbridge mom second fatality in mystery crash
GM Oshawa closure proof government bailouts don’t work: O’Leary
In a statement, the mayor of Uxbridge said that Brito and her family were active members of the community.
“We are mourning her loss along with her family and friends,” Dave Barton said. “On behalf of the Township of Uxbridge I offer our deepest condolences to her loved ones left behind.”
Barton added that Brito’s “energy and enthusiasm” will be missed.
Her funeral will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church in Uxbridge. Visitation is Friday evening at Low & Low Funeral Home in Uxbridge.
http://lowandlow.ca/contact.php
http://torontosun.com/news/local-news/oleary-boating-tragedy-suzana-brito-lived-for-her-children
 

spaminator

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KEVIN O'LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Uxbridge mom second fatality in mystery crash
Graeme Gordon
Published:
August 28, 2019
Updated:
August 28, 2019 6:33 PM EDT
A 48-year-old Uxbridge mother of three is the second person to die in a collision with Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary’s boat in Muskoka.
Suzana Brito died Monday in hospital.
Gary Poltash, 64, of Florida was killed instantly in the horrific late-night crash Saturday on Lake Joseph, near Emerald Island.
But the OPP have been tight-lipped with details.
The two dead victims were on a 13-person craft returning to a nearby cottage during a pleasure cruise when it was allegedly struck by O’Leary’s boat.
The crash happened around 11:30 p.m.
The man at the bow of the larger boat was struck in the head and killed instantly, according to American celebrity news website TMZ.
Two others on the smaller vessel were treated in hospital and released.
The Uxbridge mom was still breathing and was kept alive, sources told The Toronto Sun, so her organs could be harvested.
O’Leary released a statement to TMZ admitting his involvement. He claimed he wasn’t driving.
GM Oshawa closure proof government bailouts don’t work: O’Leary
“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,” he said in a carefully-crafted statement.
“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.”
A source close to the owner of the larger boat that was struck told TMZ O’Leary’s boat was involved in the accident and that there was enough light to identify O’Leary and his wife. Linda O’Leary, who had posted photos from Lake Joseph this month, changed her Instagram settings to private on Wednesday.
An O’Leary representative told TMZ that his wife was driving the boat at the time of the accident and passed a drug and alcohol test, the flack said.
O’Leary wouldn’t comment when contacted by the Sun late Tuesday night.
“I can’t speak on it,” O’Leary said. “Sorry, I don’t think there’s been any release of that information, so I have no comment. Sorry. Thanks.”
OPP Det.-Insp. Martin Graham told MyMuskokaNow.com Monday that it was too early to say whether alcohol played a role in the accident.
“Obviously, bearing in mind one person has lost their life … it requires a complete investigation to determine the facts surrounding how this came about,” Graham said.
O’Leary is well-known as a former bombastic “Dragon” on CBC’s Dragons’ Den and previously co-hosted The Lang and O’Leary Exchange.
He is also a regular guest on business news shows, most recently appearing on CNBC Tuesday.
The OPP couldn’t be immediately reached for comment Tuesday night.
ggordon@postmedia.com
http://tmz.com/2019/08/27/kevin-oleary-shark-tank-fatal-boat-crash-ontario-lake-joseph
http://mymuskokanow.com/93769/fatal-lake-joseph-crash-occurred-on-the-way-home-opp
http://torontosun.com/news/national/man-killed-in-lake-joseph-crash-involving-kevin-olearys-boat
 

Curious Cdn

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The first thing that popped out of O'Leary's mouth was "My wife was at the helm" which immediately made me suspicious that she wasn't. They should have measured the blood alcohol of everyone in both boats.
 

Danbones

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“Obviously, bearing in mind one person has lost their life … it requires a complete investigation to determine the facts surrounding how this came about,” Graham said.

Which is why we won't expect any facts on the matter from Yorgie here.
;)
 

Curious Cdn

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spaminator

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KEVIN O'LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Conflicting stories on fatal collision
Brad Hunter
More from Brad Hunter
Graeme Gordon
Published:
August 29, 2019
Updated:
August 29, 2019 10:31 AM EDT
Death came calling as fireworks glittered over a glassy Muskoka lake.
And now, pointed questions are being directed at celebrity entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary whose boat was involved in the fatal Saturday night crash that claimed two lives on Lake Joseph.
Cops say Uxbridge mother of three Suzana Brito, 48, died Monday from catastrophic head injuries.
Brito was still breathing and kept alive, sources told the Toronto Sun, so her organs could be retrieved.
Suzana Brito (Facebook)
Retired accountant Gary Poltash, 64, who lives in Florida, was killed instantly.
He had been friends with the owner of the other boat for years, his brother told the Sun.
The horrific crash happened around 11:30 p.m., near Emerald Island.
It wasn’t until gossip website TMZ revealed details about the crash on Tuesday night that the OPP and the former Dragon’s Den star made statements.
Gary Poltash (Facebook)
O’Leary was quick to get ahead of the narrative after initially declining to comment because of the “ongoing investigation.”
“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,” he said in a carefully-crafted statement.
“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 entrepreneur has claimed his wife was behind the wheel of the boat.
The other boat was not fleeing, sources told the Sun, but racing to shore to get desperately-needed medical assistance for two critically injured passengers.
A Brito family member — who spoke on condition of anonymity — claimed that it was O’Leary who fled the scene of the crash and that his boat was later found docked at a nearby resort.
The distraught relative said the family is also wondering how long after the crash that O’Leary’s wife was given a breathalyzer.
Another person who knows some of the people who were on the other boat said they are “pissed” about the businessman’s seemingly aggressive PR campaign.
Kevin O’Leary speaks about visiting Ottawa in this image taken from video posted to his Facebook page. Handout/Postmedia Network
“Kevin’s boat was flying with the bow up and probably obscured the view of the front of his boat,” the friend said, adding that O’Leary is “overselling” his side of the story.
Linda O’Leary, who had posted photos from Lake Joseph earlier this month, changed her Instagram settings to private on Wednesday. A spokesman for Kevin O’Leary said she passed a drug and alcohol test.
According to investigators, the two dead victims were on a 13-person craft returning to a nearby cottage after a pleasure cruise when it was allegedly struck by O’Leary’s boat.
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Suzana Brito lived for her children
Kevin O’Leary ordered to pay legal fees to group suing him for cancelled speaking gig
Three others were treated in hospital and released.
“I can’t speak on it,” O’Leary told the Sun late Tuesday. “Sorry, I don’t think there’s been any release of that information, so I have no comment. Sorry. Thanks.”
Sources said the O’Leary craft was later docked at the Rocky Crest Golf Resort. The general manager refused to comment and directed inquiries to the OPP.
An employee at Hamer Bay Marina employee was equally tight-lipped.
West Parry Sound OPP Const. Joe Scali said the police investigation is continuing.
“Actually, both boats did leave the scene … both boats left the scene to contact emergency services. Ambulance received 911 calls from the parties of both boats,” Scali said.
He refused to reveal whether one of the boats docked at Rocky Crest Gold Resort.
“We understand how much the media requires information and we’re doing our best and appreciate your patience,” he added. “Pending full investigation, then we’ll determine if charges are warranted.”
O’Leary is well-known as a former bombastic “Dragon” on CBC’s Dragons’ Den and previously co-hosted The Lang and O’Leary Exchange.
On Tuesday, it was business as usual for O’Leary who appeared on business network CNBC.
Controversial business tycoon
WHO: Kevin O’Leary
AGE: 65
WHAT: Born in Montreal, O’Leary has been an often controversial figure in Canadian business, politics and the media. He was the co-founder of O’Leary Funds and Softkey.
MEDIA MAVEN: O’Leary shot to fame starting in 2004 with appearances on business blabfests, SqueezePlay and the Lang and O’Leary Exchange. He later had a long run on reality show Dragon’s Den.
Since 2009 he has been a regular on Dragon’s Den U.S. doppelganger Shark Tank. He is known as “Mr. Wonderful”.
CONTROVERSY: O’Leary’s The Learning Company was acquired by Mattel in 1999 making him rich. He was later fired after the company generated gallons of red ink along with shareholder lawsuits. He was later fired.
POLITICS: For a brief moment in 2017, O’Leary explored a run for the leadership of the Conservative Party. He dropped out one month before the convention citing a lack of support in his native Quebec.
PERSONAL: O’Leary has been married to wife Linda since 1990 and they have two children. The couple briefly separated in 2011 but have since gotten back together. He lives in Toronto but has a Muskoka cottage and homes in Boston and Geneva, Switzerland.
QUOTE: “If you want a friend buy a dog.” — Kevin O’Leary
— With files from Brian Lilley
http://torontosun.com/news/national...flicting-stories-on-collision-that-killed-two
 

Curious Cdn

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O'Leary blabbered his own version immediately, pointing the finger at other the "boat speeding away" ,(that was full of the dead and dying ...damned right, they were speeding away) and also exhonorating himself at the expense of his wife, THEN saying that the whole thing is under investigation and he can't comment on it.

This guy is unreal.

Cuff him, Muldoon!
 

DaSleeper

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Northern Ontario,
This is the legal alcohol limit in Canada. Boat passengers may consume alcohol on board a boat in Canada so long as the boat is licensed for alcohol consumption, or the boat has a permanent toilet, cooking facilities, sleeping facilities and it is anchored or docked.


The survivors should do what was done to O J ....sue in civil court!
 
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Curious Cdn

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This is the legal alcohol limit in Canada. Boat passengers may consume alcohol on board a boat in Canada so long as the boat is licensed for alcohol consumption, or the boat has a permanent toilet, cooking facilities, sleeping facilities and it is anchored or docked.
The survivors should do what was done to O J ....sue in civil court!
The same drink-drive laws that apply to diving an automobile apply to operating a vessel and no, you cannot legally drink while underway (mind you, cold beer was an eesential part of trawling for game fish with my cousin, up on the Spanish River. None of us got mildly tipsy but if they caught us they could have lifted out provincial drivers licenses for that.)

What you do while anchored is your business as long as you have an anchor light lit after dark (See international Col-Regs or Coast Guard Safe Boating booklet.) and you're not doing it three meters from someone's back patio door.
 

spaminator

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O'LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Friends, family desperate for answers
Brad Hunter
More from Brad Hunter
Graeme Gordon
Published:
August 30, 2019
Updated:
August 30, 2019 9:32 AM EDT
Businessman Kevin O'Leary behind the wheel of one of his boats on Lake Joseph.SCREENGRAB
The heartbroken friends and families of two people killed in the tragic Muskoka boat crash involving celebrity entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary are desperate for answers.
And so far, few are forthcoming.
O’Leary’s boat collided with another pleasure craft around 11.30 p.m. last Saturday on posh Lake Joseph in Muskoka.
Suzana Brito, a 48-year-old mother of three young children, died two days after a boat crash Lake Joseph in Muskoka. (Facebook)
Retired accountant and father of two, Gary Poltash, 64, a Florida resident, was killed instantly.
Ontario Provincial Police say Suzana Brito, 48, a devoted mother of three, suffered catastrophic head injuries and died in hospital Monday.
Poltash’s brother Larry told The Toronto Sun he hopes it’s all just a terrible accident.
But if either O’Leary or his wife Linda are guilty of wrongdoing, he feels “they’ve got to do time.”
O’Leary has claimed the other boat — owned by a Dr. Irv Edwards, according to a CBC report — didn’t have its navigational lights on and “fled the scene.”
Friends of the dead are disputing the brash businessman’s narrative.
So far, cops have not commented on the navigational lights but have confirmed both boats left the scene — reportedly to get medical attention.
Kevin O’Leary hosts a TV host on his boat in Muskoka. SCREENGRAB
O’Leary’s spokesperson has claimed his wife Linda was at the wheel of the speedboat.
She reportedly was administered a breathalyzer and allegedly passed.
TMZ also reported that O’Leary believes there is video footage of the crash that would back his story.
The OPP said — while not identifying those involved in the accident, other than the deceased — that a high-profile individual’s involvement can slow an investigation but are treated no differently than Joe Six-Pack.
“We have to make sure all parties are fully investigated before we release who was investigated,” Const. Joe Scali said Thursday.
O’Leary in Muskoka. POSTMEDIA
But among the questions emerging are:
— How soon after the crash was Linda O’Leary tested for booze and drugs?
— How fast were the two boats going?
— Why did O’Leary claim the other boat “fled”?
“Our position right now is we don’t comment on any specifics relating to the vessel ownership, the occupants’ positioning, their roles involved in the vessels, how many people were in the vessels — this is all part of the evidence we’re examining and collecting right now,” Staff-Sgt. Carolle Dionne explained.
“And then after the investigation, if warranted, charges will be laid and then maybe a release will be done at that time,” she added.
Cops wouldn’t disclose how many people had their blood alcohol count tested on that fateful night.
“When I say that we’ve had no charges, when people asking (say), ‘Well that means that if you had no charges, because usually if someone is impaired by alcohol (police) charge them at the scene…,’” said Dionne.
“It doesn’t clear the fact that alcohol (may have been) a factor, but I’m not saying that alcohol was a factor either,” she said.
She added if someone does blow over and registers a warning, it isn’t considered a charge but instead a suspension.
And police don’t release information on suspensions, Dionne said.
O’Leary was quick out of the starting gate to explain his side of the story.
Gary Poltash (Facebook)
But former New York Post Managing Editor and PR consultant Stuart Marques said O’Leary’s snap claim the other boat wasn’t using navigational lights and fled the scene may be fraught with peril.
“From a PR standpoint you always want to get out ahead of a story — but it will backfire if you are caught saying things that can easily be proven false,” Marques said. “He will have a problem if his original statements don’t hold up under scrutiny.”
Noted Toronto defence lawyer Monte MacGregor agreed, saying O’Leary appears worried about his “personal reputation” and brand.
“The problem is in a legal sense usually you always advise your client that they have the right to remain silent because anything they say can be used against them,” he said.
“And generally, it can’t be used in their favour, so I always speak on behalf of my clients, I don’t let my clients say anything,” MacGregor said.
Meanwhile, funeral services for Brito will be held Saturday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 70 Toronto St. N., in Uxbridge at 11 a.m.
Visitation will be held at the Low and Low Funeral Home, in Uxbridge, on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.
bhunter@postmedia.com
ggordon@postmedia.com
http://torontosun.com/news/national/oleary-boating-tragedy-friends-family-desperate-for-answers
 

spaminator

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O'LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Wind, waves stall investigation
Graeme Gordon
Published:
August 30, 2019
Updated:
August 30, 2019 9:03 PM EDT
Businessman Kevin O'Leary behind the wheel of one of his boats on Lake Joseph.SCREENGRAB
The OPPs investigation into a tragic Muskoka boating collision that claimed two lives — and involved celebrity tycoon Kevin O’Leary — ran into choppy weather.
Officers postponed their investigation into last Saturday night’s fatal cottage-country boat crash on Lake Joseph, 210 kilometres north of Toronto.
“It all depends because we are also dealing with the elements when it comes to reconstructioning for a marine fatality. It was a clear night and a calm night (on Saturday),” Staff-Sgt. Carolle Dionne told the Toronto Sun.
“At night time, you’re still responsible for the water in front of you; you’re still responsible for what’s around you,” she added. “You’re responsible for that vessel.”
Suzana Brito (Facebook)
Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners congregated at Low and Low Funeral Home in Uxbridge to pay their respects at a visitation Friday for Suzana Vieira Brito, 48, of Uxbridge, who died in hospital two days after the collision.
A funeral will be held for the a mom of three children — ages 12, 11 and nine — on Saturday.
The family asked the media for privacy Friday after dealing with a swarm of unwanted international media attention while grieving. The Sun respected their wishes.
Retired accountant and father of two, Gary Poltash, 64, a Florida resident, was killed instantly in the collision.
Gary Poltash (Facebook)
The probe could also take longer than usual to complete because of the involvement of a celebrity. O’Leary is a well-known reality TV star, who appears on the U.S. show Shark Tank, and had been a regular on the Canadian Dragon’s Den.
“When we ask for the public’s assistance for any information and the media (are) involved to a high extent, some people will give out information that’s not necessarily pertinent to the investigation but we have to follow-up on all leads,” said OPP Const. Joe Scali.
Gossip website TMZ first broke the news O’Leary was involved in the fatal boat crash.
He first declined to comment, but hours later released a carefully-crafted statement blaming the other boat for not having its lights on and claiming the other vessel fled the scene. A spokesman for O’Leary said that his wife, Linda, was behind the wheel of the boat.
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Friends, family desperate for answers
KEVIN O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Conflicting stories on fatal collision
KEVIN O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Uxbridge mom second fatality in mystery crash
Occupants in the other vessel insisted it was O’Leary who took off and that they had their boat lights on.
The OPP clarified that both boats quickly left the area of the crash — near Emerald Island at Hamer Bay — to seek medical attention for the injured.
The OPP have deployed officers from the force’s identification services and marine collision units to investigate the case.
http://torontosun.com/news/national/oleary-boat-tragedy-wind-waves-stall-investigation
 

spaminator

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Family, friends say goodbye to Uxbridge woman killed in boat crash
Jack Boland
Published:
August 31, 2019
Updated:
August 31, 2019 7:47 PM EDT
A funeral was held for Suzana Vieira Brito, 48, at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Uxbridge on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. The mother of three is one of two victims killed in a boat crash in Muskoka a week earlier. (Jack Boland/Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network)
A 48-year-old mother of three — one of two victims killed in last weekend’s tragic Muskoka boating crash — was laid to rest in Uxbridge on Saturday.
Hundreds of mourners packed Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church for a funeral mass and to say goodbye to Suzana Brito, who died in hospital after being critically injured late last Saturday in Seguin Township.
Suzana Brito was a 48-year-old mother of three young children. She died two days after the crash. FACEBOOK
The Ontario Provincial Police said Brito passed away Monday in hospital from head injuries after being kept on life-support so her organs could be donated.
A funeral director carried a large bouquet of red roses into the church before the casket was carefully removed from a hearse parked on the street.
O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Loved ones mourn, want answers after American killed
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Suzana Brito lived for her children
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Friends, family desperate for answers
Six pall bearers carried the casket past a large crowd of family and close friends, some sobbing, then up the front steps and into the church for the 11 a.m. funeral.
Mark Brosens, communications officer for the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto, was on hand and said the family was extremely upset and would not be commenting.
Gary Poltash. (Facebook)
Father of two Gary Poltash, a 64-year-old Florida resident and retired accountant, was also killed in the collision that occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Lake Joseph and involved two boats.
Canadian business mogul Kevin O’Leary and his wife Linda were allegedly aboard the other boat.
Mystery surrounds the boat crash involving celebrity entrepreneur Kevin OLeary. POSTMEDIA
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate the deadly mishap.
jboland@postmedia.com
http://torontosun.com/news/local-ne...oodbye-to-uxbridge-woman-killed-in-boat-crash
 

spaminator

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O'LEARY TRAGEDY: Shark Tank star reportedly hires top legal eagle
Brad Hunter
Published:
September 2, 2019
Updated:
September 2, 2019 1:10 PM EDT
Businessman Kevin O'Leary behind the wheel of one of his boats on Lake Joseph.SCREENGRAB
Celebrity entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary has reportedly hired famed defence lawyer Brian Greenspan to handle his case, the New York Post reports.
O’Leary’s boat was involved in an Aug. 24 crash on Lake Joseph in Muskoka that left two people dead.
Killed were Uxbridge mother-of-three Suzana Brito, 48, and retired Florida accountant Gary Poltash, 64, who has two grown children.
Suzana Brito was a 48-year-old mother of three young children. She died two days after the crash. FACEBOOK
Gary Poltash (Facebook)
If O’Leary has hired Greenspan, it marks a turnaround from comments made by another legal eagle hired by the brash businessman.
Lawyer Joseph Groia, who represents O’Leary in general matters, told the Globe and Mail, “In my judgment, Kevin doesn’t need a lawyer.”
KEVIN O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Conflicting stories on fatal collision
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Friends, family desperate for answers
O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Wind, waves stall investigation
Now, according to the Post, O’Leary has turned to Greenspan as apparent inconsistencies arose last week over his earlier comments regarding the crash.
Greenspan is one of the best lawyers in the country and has defended — or represented — some of Canada’s best-known celebrities.
Reports suggest famed criminal lawyer Brian Greenspan is advising Kevin O’Leary.POSTMEDIA
He defended pop star Justin Bieber after he was accused of punching an Uber driver in Toronto. The charges were later dropped.
Others Greenspan has represented include supermodel slugger Naomi Campbell and Cathy Evelyn Smith, who was implicated in the speedball — a combination of cocaine and heroin — death of comic superstar John Belushi in 1982.
More recently, Greenspan has represented the interests of murdered billionaire Barry Sherman and his wife, Honey.
Initially, O’Leary said in a statement that the other boat involved in the crash didn’t have its navigational lights on and “fled” the scene.
Kevin O’Leary speaks about visiting Ottawa in this image taken from video posted to his Facebook page. Handout/Postmedia Network
But an OPP spokesman said both boats left, with the vessel with the critically injured seeking medical help.
And TMZ reported that the larger vessel did, in fact, have its navigational lights on.
Meanwhile, sources in Muskoka told the Toronto Sun that the OPP has video footage from at least one local cottage in their possession.
What the footage reveals is not known. Earlier, O’Leary claimed video would back his version of events.
bhunter@postmedia.com
http://pagesix.com/2019/09/02/shark-tank-star-kevin-oleary-hires-top-attorney-after-fatal-boat-crash
http://theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-details-emerge-in-kevin-oleary-boat-crash
http://torontosun.com/news/provinci...rk-tank-star-reportedly-hires-top-legal-eagle
 

Curious Cdn

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O'Leary hires Greenspan

Well. I'm convinced.

He's obviously innocent or he wouldn't need to hire the slickest Criminal Lawyer in the country.

I wonder if he's going to show up in the news media wearing a whiplash collar, now?
 

spaminator

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O'LEARY CRASH: Family of American killed raising funds for Uxbridge victim's kids
Graeme Gordon
Published:
September 5, 2019
Updated:
September 5, 2019 11:22 AM EDT
Uxbridge mother Suzana Brito, right, and American Gary Poltash are pictured in Muskoka. Both were killed in an Aug. 24, 2019 boating accident involving celebrity businessman Kevin O'Leary. (GoFundMe)
The family of an American man killed in the tragic boating collision involving Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary is raising money for the education of three young Uxbridge children whose mother also died as a result of the crash.
“Although we never got to meet her, we are told that Suzana (Brito) and my father became fast friends while enjoying the beauty of (the) lake,” reads part of the message posted by Alex Poltash on the GoFundMe page. His father, Gary Poltash, died instantly in the late-night Aug. 24 crash on Lake Joseph.
“Gary (Poltash) was a true believer in the power of education, and thus we thought it appropriate to create this for the benefit of Suzana’s children.”
Gary Poltash. (Facebook)
Poltash’s family is looking to raise US$15,000 for the post-secondary education of 48-year-old Brito’s three children, Liam, 12, Ruby, 11, and Cash, 9, in a “wish that the legacy of our father live on.” As of Thursday morning, $4,340 had been raised in the first two days of the fundraiser, with the Poltash family making the first contribution of $1,000.
“Join us in celebrating my father’s life,” Gary’s daughter, Allison Poltash, wrote in an Instagram post. “To honour his legacy and value of education, we have created a GoFundMe to support the three children of Suzana Brito, who tragically passed away in the same accident as my dad.”
Gary Poltash, 64, was a chartered accountant who had retired to Belleair Beach, a community near Clearwater, Fla.
KEVIN O’LEART BOAT TRAGEDY: Conflicting stories on fatal collision
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Friends, family desperate for answers
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Suzana Brito lived for her children
A longtime friend of Brito told the Toronto Sun “her kids were her life.”
“It sounds like a cliche, but nobody would ever have anything negative to say about her,” Holly Canivet said. “Many, many people have been devastated by this.”
The funeral for Brito was held last Saturday. A service will be held for Poltash on Saturday in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif.
Poltash’s brother, Larry Poltash, told the Sun their family is looking for answers about how the accident happened. The OPP are still investigating and have made no indication when they will wrap up, but an expert on the OPP says it may be “weeks or months” before the probe concludes.
http://gofundme.com/f/tvtgd-children039s-education-fund
http://torontosun.com/news/national...illed-raising-funds-for-uxbridge-victims-kids
 

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KEVIN O'LEARY: Cops tight-lipped on fatal boat crash probe
Brad Hunter
Graeme Gordon
Published:
September 4, 2019
Updated:
September 4, 2019 11:14 AM EDT
The OPP are tight-lipped about details in the investigation into the fatal boat crash involving one of Kevin O'Leary's boats.Stan Behal / Toronto Sun/Postmedia Network
The OPP are keeping close-mouthed in the investigation into the Muskoka boat crash that involved celebrity entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary and left two people dead.
An investigative team met Tuesday to determine the probe’s progress but a spokesman gave no indication on whether charges will be laid or when it will be wrapped up.
On Aug. 24, a boat carrying O’Leary and his wife, Linda, was involved in a late-night collision crash with a vessel on Lake Joseph, located 210 kilometres north of Toronto, near Gravenhurst.
Gary Poltash, 64, of Florida was killed instantly while Uxbridge mother of three, Suzana Brito, 48, died two days later in hospital.
Gary Poltash, a father of two from Florida, was killed in the incident. (Facebook)
Suzana Brito died two days after the crash. (Facebook)
In the wake of the crash, O’Leary claimed the other boat didn’t have “navigational lights” and “fled the scene.” A spokesman for the Shark Tank star said the businessman’s wife was behind the wheel.
But friends and family of the victims are disputing O’Leary’s version of events.
“The investigation is just ongoing and they’re not releasing anything until the end of the investigation,” Const. Joe Scali told the Toronto Sun.
Scali added he wasn’t sure when there would be a resolution and investigators are still sifting through witness statements and other evidence.
Sources told The Sun that video had been turned into cops but what it contains remains a mystery.
Scali wouldn’t disclose whether video of the incident had been obtained. O’Leary has claimed video would verify his story.
“This is a regular, normal investigation, looking at all the aspects — we have marine technical experts,” he said.
Businessman Kevin O’Leary behind the wheel of one of his boats on Lake Joseph. SCREENGRAB
Investigators are reportedly looking at every aspect of the boats involved to determine exactly who sat where.
“They have their means of matching everything up with injuries sustained by people [and] what caused the injuries puts them where they were seated,” Scali added. “If (charges are) warranted, the only way to get there is getting everything completed.”
Family, friends say goodbye to Uxbridge woman killed in boat crash
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Friends, family desperate for answers
O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Wind, waves stall investigation
One source said that the O’Learys were enroute from an evening with friends at the ritzy Lake Joseph Club.
“I’m the director of operations (for the Lake Joseph Club) and we’re not going to speak to anything that happened … It’s not our place to comment,” Chris Near told The Sun.
Meanwhile, famed lawyer Brian Greenspan did not return phone calls and e-mail messages left by the Sun following a report in the New York Post he would be representing O’Leary.
http://torontosun.com/news/national/kevin-oleary-cops-tight-lipped-on-fatal-boat-crash-probe
 

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O'LEARY CRASH: Answers in Muskoka tragedy could be 'weeks or months' away
Brad Hunter
Published:
September 4, 2019
Updated:
September 4, 2019 8:13 PM EDT
Businessman Kevin O'Leary behind the wheel of one of his boats on Lake Joseph.SCREENGRAB
Answers in the tragic Muskoka boat crash involving celebrity entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary that left two people dead could be “weeks or even months” away, one policing expert said.
University of Western Ontario criminology professor Michael Arntfield, a former cop, has been a frequent critic of the OPP’s secretive nature.
Not this time.
“I’ll give them a pass on this,” Arntfield told The Toronto Sun.
On Aug. 24, two boats collided on Lake Joseph — located 210 kilometres north of Toronto, near Gravenhurst — after an evening of fireworks. Gary Poltash, 64, a retired accountant and father of two from Florida, was killed instantly.
Two days later, Uxbridge mother of three Suzana Brito, 48, died of catastrophic injuries in hospital.
Gary Poltash, a father of two from Florida, was killed in the incident. (Facebook)
Suzana Brito, 48, an Uxbridge mother of three, died two days after the crash in hospital. (Facebook)
O’Leary’s spokesman said the businessman’s wife was driving the boat and that she had passed a drug and alcohol test. The Shark Tank star claimed the second boat “fled” the scene that the vessel didn’t have navigational lights on.
Friends of the dead are disputing the brash businessman’s narrative.
Police have not commented on the navigational lights but confirmed both boats left the scene — reportedly to get medical attention.
“This is very high profile and they’re going to be very careful,” Arntfield said. “It’s not just the potentially political nature of the incident, these types of investigations are unbelievably complex.”
O’LEARY BOATING TRAGEDY: Friends, family desperate for answers
O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Loved ones mourn, want answers after American killed
KEVIN O’LEARY BOAT TRAGEDY: Conflicting stories on fatal collision
Arntfield said the computers from the boats would be downloaded to determine speed and other factors. And because the crash was on the water, it makes things like the “rules of physics” much harder.
“The crash can’t be replicated,” Arnfield said.
In addition, he said the investigation will reveal where everyone involved in the crash was seated at the time of impact.
“Some of that will be based on injuries but it will be a scientific certainty and you can be certain the OPP will bring in outside experts,” he said.
“Answers are weeks or even months away.”
Linda and Kevin O’Leary. His rep said she was driving the boat. GETTY IMAGES
Arntfield added that police seldom reveal much information in fatal collisions unless and until charges are laid.
O’Leary has reportedly engaged famed Toronto criminal lawyer Brian Greenspan. The legal eagle did not return messages from the Sun on whether he was repping the former Dragon’s Den star.
Meanwhile, O’Leary’s money roadshow is rolling on.
The money-loving mogul was back on the TV circuit three days after the fatal boat crash giving investor advice on CNBC.
Later that day, gossip website TMZ broke the news O’Leary’s boat was involved in the accident.
Just several days following the horrific tragedy, he was in Englewood, N.J., for a live event pitching his path to riches.
This week, he is in the Detroit area for a series of “free” events where he offers financial advice and his philosophy on investing.
http://torontosun.com/news/national...muskoka-tragedy-could-be-weeks-or-months-away