Cyclist killed in Niagara Falls collision identified as Great Wolf Lodge GM
Published September 26, 2022 at 11:24 am
The cyclist who was killed in a collision with a car on Saturday morning (September 24) has been identified as Keith Simmonds, the general manager and vice-president of the Great Wolf Lodge.
Simmonds, an avid cyclist, died less than a kilometre away from the popular family-friendly Niagara Falls tourist attraction he helped to establish.
As reported initially, Niagara Police said the collision happened shortly before 11:30 a.m. on the Niagara Pkwy., approximately 200m north of Victoria Ave., near Great Wolf Lodge. A vehicle was traveling north on Niagara Pkwy. when it struck a cyclist also traveling north.
When the community heard the news, many were devastated, including Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, who posted, “Heartbroken to learn of the tragic accident this morning in which Keith Simmonds lost his life. Condolences to his family, friends & the Great Wolf Lodge wolf pack. RIP, Mercer. You will be missed.”
Some reports has said that Simmonds’s bicycle front tire came off the road, hitting the shoulder, causing him to fall into the oncoming traffic.
The Jim Pattison Group, Ripley Entertainment Inc., and Great Wolf Lodge of Niagara Falls released the following statement.
Videos
“He took great care in supporting his work family and instilling a sense of pride in everything that his team did. Keith often referred to the Lodge as the ‘Little Log Cabin on the Parkway’ and was instrumental in ensuring the success and growth of the company’s Niagara Falls location.”
They continued, “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Keith’s wife, Toby, and his children, Ben and Nick. Our top priority now is to support them through this tragic time as they were the centre of Keith’s world. Everyone who knew Keith recognized his love of family, cycling, and philanthropy. He was a loyal friend and a compassionate giver, seen in both his personal life and professional endeavours.”
“Keith Simmonds was – and will remain – a cherished member of the Niagara community. He will be deeply missed.”
The Niagara Police Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken over the investigation.
Businesses in the area are encouraged to review their CCTV footage and motorists who were in the area with an operational dash-camera are encouraged to review their recordings and contact the lead detective at 905-688-4111, option #3, extension 1009433.
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising