BRACEBRIDGE FAMILIES REELING AFTER MOTORYCLE ACCIDENT IN TOWN LAST NIGHT LEAVES 23-YEAR-OLD DEAD, 25-YEAR-OLD CHARGED WITH IMPAIRED, DANGEROUS DRIIVING CAUSING DEATH

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — A 23-year-old motorcyclist is dead and a 25-year-old vehicle driver faces impaired and dangerous driving charges causing death following a late night accident on the south entrance to the town.

The fatal collision between the two Bracebridge residents left their families reeling, a community waking up in grief — and the accused spending  a sleepless night in jail before appearing in bail court this morning.

Police say that on Thursday, May 21, at 10:45 p.m., officer, EMS and firefighters were dispatched to a serious collision on Ecclestone Drive, near the Kirkhill Drive industrial park, which is across from Fenner Dunlop and next to the rail overpass at Muskoka Beach Road.

Police say emergency services were quickly on scene and the motorcyclist was rushed to nearby South Muskoka Memorial Hospital.

However, they say lifesaving medical measures were unsuccessful and the 23-year-old motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the motor vehicle, Ethan McKiernan, of Bracebridge, was arrested and charged with (Impaired) Operation Causing Death and Dangerous Operation Causing Death.

McKiernan was in the Ontario Court of Justice, in Bracebridge, May 22, 2026, for a bail hearing.

Police say the investigation is ongoing, anyone with information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and may reference incident number E260697147.

Police say the accident happened on Ecclestone Driver about 10:45 p.m. last night, near the Kirkhill Drive industrial park, which is across from Fenner Dunlop and next to the rail overpass at Muskoka Beach Road. GRAPHIC Google Maps.

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