Family, friends and members of the Puslinch Township and Guelph communities are coming to grips with the loss of a teenager who was killed following a pedestrian collision last week. Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Wellington County Paramedic Services responded to the collision just after midnight Sept. 19 on Wellington Road 29, near Eramosa-Garafraxa Town Line. Investigators said the pedestrian was struck by a minivan. He was taken to local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the minivan remained at the scene and was not injured. According to OPP, a group of people were near the road at the time of the crash. “I don’t want to say party because I don’t know exactly what the gathering was for or how many people were in attendance,” Const. Craig Soldan said on Sept. 20. “I don’t believe that this individual was walking from point A to point B, I think they were in the area with the group and, for some reason, on the roadway.” The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Nash Dunlop of Puslinch by family, friends and community members. Two teens charged with second-degree murder Police arrested and charged two 17-year-old Guelph boys with second-degree murder on Friday in relation to the fatal pedestrian collision. “This investigation began as a fatal motor vehicle collision. As the investigation progressed surrounding the youth’s death, two youth were ultimately charged with second-degree murder,” Const. Matthew Burton, a media relations officer with Wellington County OPP, told CTV News. The identities of the accused have not been released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Police said both were being held in custody for a bail hearing and were scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Guelph. Police have not released information about the relationship, if any, between the accused and the victim. Burton said investigators are still working to determine what happened. The Wellington County OPP Crime Unit is conducting the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, with assistance from the Office of the Chief Coroner, Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and OPP Forensic Identification Services. Police have not disclosed the circumstances that led to the charges. “Just to protect the integrity of the investigation, I can’t release that information at this time, but more information will be released at a later date,” Burton said. School community offers support Dunlop attended John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute in Guelph. The Upper Grand District School Board issued a statement on Sept. 20 expressing condolences to Dunlop’s family, friends and the school community. “The Upper Grand District School Board is deeply saddened by the death of a student in our school community following a motor vehicle collision over the weekend,” the statement read in part. “We know that the death of a young person can have a profound impact on a school community. Grief affects everyone differently, and students and staff may experience this loss in different ways. Some may have known the student well, while others may be affected by the news or the circumstances surrounding it.” The board said its Mental Health and Well-Being and Student Support Services teams were working with schools to ensure students and staff had access to counselling and other supports. It said those supports would remain available in the days and weeks ahead. ‘A beautiful young soul taken from us too early’ Dunlop’s basketball coach, Elias Panagiotopoulos, said he coached him for four years and watched him grow both as an athlete and a teammate. Panagiotopoulos said Dunlop initially stood out for his determination rather than his size. “The tenacity, the work ethic that this kid had, what he didn’t have in strength, the kid made up for with just sheer willpower,” Panagiotopoulos said. He said Dunlop developed into a strong basketball player and became an important presence on the court. He also described him as a leader who kept teammates focused and supported the group during games. “I like to call him my on-court coach because he was a good influence out there,” he said, laughing. Panagiotopoulos said he learned of Dunlop’s death Saturday afternoon while away at a cottage. “I just had this pit in my stomach, and I couldn’t even look up from my phone. I didn’t want to believe it,” he said. “It’s just gutting. Such a beautiful young soul taken from us too early, and it’s just heartbreaking.” A community in mourning The parking lot and surrounding lawn at Calvary Baptist Church in Puslinch were packed with vehicles Saturday afternoon as people came together to celebrate Dunlop’s life, share memories and pay tribute to the teenager. Panagiotopoulos said the community’s response has been significant, with people coming together to support Dunlop’s family and honour his memory. “It was unbelievable. The turnout at the funeral [on Friday]... it was like half of Guelph came out to support. It’s amazing how many lives this young man touched.” Dunlop’s family has launched the Nash Dunlop Memorial Fund to help young athletes pursue basketball. Panagiotopoulos said the fund has received donations from people who knew Dunlop as well as those who did not. “I’ve had parents and people who didn’t even know Nash donate for the cause,” he said. “And I just think it’s so great for Nash and the Guelph community, and just a way to honour his memory. It’s been amazing.” He said the initiative is a way to carry on the teenager’s legacy by helping other young athletes reach their goals. “Times like this is when the community comes together and holds each other up,” he said. Teammates leaning on one another The team has also been creating space for players to talk about their loss and share memories. Panagiotopoulos said it is important for the young athletes to know they are not alone as they grieve. “It’s about just staying together and knowing that it’s okay not to feel okay for a while,” he said. He said Dunlop had a profound impact on those around him and that his memory would continue to be carried forward by the people who knew him. “Whatever we do, do it for Nash,” Panagiotopoulos said. Police continue investigation Burton said investigators remain committed to determining what happened and are asking anyone with information to come forward. “This is still an active investigation, and we’re still looking for people with any information,” Burton said. Police are asking anyone with information to contact Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
