Celebrity businessman Kevin O'Leary's vacation near Muskoka, Ontario took a tragic turn last Saturday night when his boat crashed into another, larger boat around 11:30 pm, reports TMZ.
Getty Images | Tibrina Hobson
'Shark Tank' Star Kevin O'Leary Involved In Fatal Boat Crash On Lake Joseph
Gary Poltash, a 64-year-old Florida man, was fatally injured at the scene.
Suzana Brito, a 48-year-old woman from Uxbridge, Ont., died later in hospital.
O'Leary, 65, is a Canadian businessman, author and television personality.
ABC
He is best known for being one of the "sharks" on ABC's hit show, Shark Tank.
O'Leary and his wife have confirmed they were involved in the crash.
Instagram | @kevinolearytv
In a statement released Wednesday, O'Leary gave his condolences to the victims, "On late Saturday night I was a passenger in a boat that was involved in a tragic collision with another watercraft."
“My heartfelt prayers and condolences to the victims, the families and those affected by this loss.”
Instagram | @kevinolearytv
“Out of respect for the victims’ families and to fully support the ongoing investigation I feel it is inappropriate to make further comments at this time.”
“I am fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation," he concluded.
Getty Images | Tibrina Hobson
The cause for the crash is still unclear, and the police investigation is still ongoing.
In a 2018 picture of the boat now in question, O'Leary wrote "Meet the new BatBoat!, I'm going to be surfing up a storm on this beast over the weekend."
When reports of the crash gained traction Sunday morning, stories were conflicting.
Both parties claimed the other had fled the scene.
The Ontario Provincial Police have clarified neither party "fled" the scene, saying that both watercrafts left to "attend a location and both parties called 911."
Instagram | @kevinolearytv
In a statement given by Gary Poltash's brother Lary Poltash, he remembers his brother as a fun-loving, all American man.
“I hope when it’s all said and done, it’s just an accident,” Poltash remarked.
Gary was a father of two and played football and attended the University of Southern California.
After retirement, he moved to North Carolina and then eventually settled in Florida, where he has resided for the past two years.
Suzana Brito, 48, was a mother of three, and was remembered by her friend as "kind, caring and vivacious."
Brito’s friend Heidi Barriage released a statement to CTV News Toronto on Wednesday.
“I loved her from the moment we met. She didn’t take her friendships lightly and made her love known to everyone she care for,” Barriage said.
“Suzana loved her children deeply and often spoke of her family. She never took life for granted and lived with such a positive energy that many of us will miss dearly.
Facebook
"I’m heartbroken and will cherish our friendship forever.”
O'Leary has not given another public statement since Wednesday.
Instagram | @kevinolearytv
Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims of this terrible accident.
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