Harrow, ON – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating the tragic deaths of a family of four at their home near Harrow, Ontario. The incident, described as an “unimaginable tragedy,” has deeply affected the close-knit community.
Officers responded to a call at a residence on County Road 13 around 1:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. During a press conference on Friday afternoon, OPP spokesperson Derek Rogers stated that it is too early in the investigation to determine the cause of death, and no arrests have been made. Rogers emphasized that investigators quickly established there was no threat to the broader community.
The identities of the deceased family members have not been officially confirmed by police, but Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy indicated that the victims were a mother, father, and their two young children. Bondy highlighted the significant impact of the tragedy on the town, noting that in such a small, interconnected community, everyone feels the loss.
“The mother was deeply involved in the community, working local jobs, coaching soccer, and contributing at the local youth centre,” Bondy said. “Our community is so tightly knit that this loss touches every corner of our town. There are no words to ease the pain. There’s nothing I can say to make anything better.”
In response to the tragedy, the Harrow Health Centre is offering free counseling services to community members dealing with grief and distress. Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to be conducted in London.
Residents can expect a significant police presence in the area for several days as the investigation continues. Harrow, a small town in southwestern Ontario near Lake Erie, is approximately a 45-minute drive south of Windsor.
This report includes information from The Canadian Press.
