Boy, 17, charged in Richmond Hill crash that killed fellow teen

Seven youths were loaded in the vehicle when it crashed on Aug. 17 and one boy, 17, died

Published Aug 28, 2024  •  2 minute read

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A 17-year-old boy now faces an assortment of charges stemming from a deadly crash involving a car loaded with young people in Richmond Hill earlier this month.

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York Regional Police say the single-vehicle crash occurred near Bayview Ave. and Bethesda Sideroad – north of Stouffville Rd. – around 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 17.

“There were seven youths in the vehicle at the time of the collision,” Const. Lisa Moskaluk said in a statement released Wednesday.

“Multiple injuries were reported with two occupants suffering life-threatening injuries. One of whom, a 17-year-old male from Richmond Hill, has since passed away as a result of those injuries,” she said, adding a 16-year-old Richmond Hill girl remains in “life-threatening condition.”

A GoFundMe set up for the family of the boy killed in the crash – to help with the unexpected funeral costs – identifies him as Jhon Joshua “JJ” Panela.

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“JJ was a 17-year-old boy going into his graduating year of high school,” the GoFundMe explains. “He loved his friends/family, cars, food, and most importantly, basketball.”

“As no one was mentally, emotionally, or financially prepared for this devastating event – we are in deep trouble trying to find the words to give and trying to find a way to help his amazing family.”

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Police revealed Wednesday that the driver of the vehicle, a 17-year-old Richmond Hill boy who can’t be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with one count of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and four counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm.

Investigators continue to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the vehicle – described as a black, two-door hatchback – in the area at the time or who have dashcam footage of the area around the time of the collision to come forward.

Anyone with information can call the Major Collision Investigation Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 770, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

[email protected]

@sundoucette

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