RAMARA MAN, 65, IDENTIFIED AS PILOT IN FATAL PLANE CRASH

RAMARA — A Ramara pilot who died last Monday in a Lake Simcoe ultralight crash was laid to rest this afternoon.

James Wares’ identity was released by police today at the same hour a private funeral service took place at Carson Funeral Home.

OPP say Wares, 65, was found dead Monday, Feb. 15, near Lagoon City north of Orillia.

They said that shortly before 4 p.m. emergency personnel responded to a 911 call of a small plane accident, which had reportedly crashed into the ice nose-first and then caught fire.

Emergency crews, including Ramara Fire and Rescue Services, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services (CSPS) and the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) responded to the shoreline of Lake Simcoe and were transported to the scene, more than a kilometre off shore using an airboat.

Wares, the lone occupant, was found deceased.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner have assumed the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Any witnesses are encouraged to contact the Orillia OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

James Wares, 65, died last Monday, March 15, after his ultralight plane reportedly hit the ice nose first and died at the scene.