A 35-year-old man has died after a multi-vehicle crash in Windsor’s west end.
Windsor police are investigating the fatal collision that took place at 11 p.m. Sunday at Sandwich Street and Prince Avenue.
The mother of the man who died was at the crash scene on Monday morning. She says her son, Gerry Cloutier, was a cautious driver. She says the father of six children meant the world to her.
“I can't believe my only boy is gone,” says Julie Cloutier.
Julie Cloutier is gripped with sadness, devastated her only son is dead.
“He was happy. He'd do anything for anybody,” says Julie Cloutier. He was so friendly and I miss him.”
Police say information was received that the vehicle was engulfed in flames and witnesses were attempting to pull the driver from the vehicle but the heat prevented them from doing so.
Officers arrived on scene and observed a blue Chrysler Minivan fully engulfed in flames and smoke. The vehicle sustained extensive damage and officers were unable to enter the front doors.
Initial information was that a child was also in the vehicle. Officer utilized expandable batons and smashed out the side and rear windows. Officers entered the vehicle but found that there was no person or child inside.
They attempted to pull the male to the rear cabin but were unable to manipulate the seat and extricate the male.
Windsor firefighters began extinguishing the fire and officers exited the vehicle. EMS was also on scene and the 35-year-old male was pronounced dead.
Allan Godin was working in the variety store across the street when he heard squealing and a loud pop. When he ran outside to see what happened. He couldn't believe his eyes.
“So far, I'm dealing with it, but after seeing all that,” says Godin.
“That was horrible, scariest thing I've ever seen. The van looked like a big exploded pop can.”
Police say investigation revealed that the vehicle was traveling northbound on Prince Avenue approaching Sandwich Street at a high rate of speed.
The vehicle crossed over Sandwich Street, collided with a large stone and then into a building on the north side of the street.
The Windsor police accident reconstruction personal attended the scene and continue to investigate.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Windsor police at 519-255-6700 ext. 4211, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 519-258-8477 (TIPS), online at www.catchcrooks.com, orSubmit a Tip on Facebook.