A tragic incident in northern Ontario has left a small community shaken, as 16-year-old Kaylie Smith recovers from a brutal assault allegedly committed by her ex-boyfriend. On November 3, in Cobalt, Ontario, Kaylie was reportedly struck by a vehicle and attacked with a sword, leaving her with serious injuries. She is currently in stable condition at an Ottawa hospital, where her family has been by her side since she was airlifted from the scene.
According to Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Const. Martin Thibault, officers found that the suspect, 18-year-old Phillipe Gagnon, allegedly drove an SUV into Kaylie shortly after she stepped off a bus. Following the collision, Gagnon reportedly attacked her with a sword. Witnesses quickly intervened to assist Kaylie until emergency responders arrived, while Gagnon was arrested within an hour of the incident and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and aggravated assault.
OPP has classified the case as intimate partner violence. For Kaylie’s mother, Cindy Smith, the ordeal feels unreal. “One minute we’re living life, and the next minute we’re here at the hospital, fighting for her life. I just don’t get it,” she shared, describing her daughter as a “beautiful, wonderful girl” who loves animals and drawing.
The Cobalt community has shown an outpouring of support, holding a candlelight vigil and raising close to $100,000 through an online fundraiser to aid in Kaylie’s recovery. Family members, including cousin Paige Smith, have traveled to Ottawa to remain close during this challenging time, grateful for the community’s generosity.
Meanwhile, protestors gathered outside the Haileybury courthouse, demanding “No Bail” for Gagnon. Records indicate he was already on probation for assaulting Kaylie’s stepfather in May and was under a weapons ban at the time of the attack. Demonstrator Kaylee Kennedy voiced the community’s anguish, stating, “Domestic violence is no joke. Her whole life has changed, and that breaks my heart.”
This tragic case has ignited calls for justice and renewed attention to intimate partner violence, as Kaylie’s family and supporters work towards her recovery.
Source: Swifteradio.com
