Double fatality on Highway 101

Annapolis RCMP Traffic Services and Annapolis RCMP have identified an elderly Shediac couple killed in Friday's crash on Highway 101at Middleton.

John W. Sheridan, 69, and his wife Shirley J. Sheridan 70 died when a westbound SUV collided with an eastbound pickup truck at about 2:40 p.m. Friday. The driver of the second vehicle remains in the QEII hospital with serious injuries.

The crash occurred near Exit 18 at Middleton.

Police said a preliminary investigation suggests that the SUV crossed the centre line and collided with truck.

John Sheridan, the driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene and the his wife was pronounced dead at the Valley Regional Hospital. The driver of the pick up truck was taken to Soldiers Memorial Hospital and airlifted to the QEII with serious injuries.

The driver of the truck, Fergus Omond, 67, of Carleton Corner remained in serious, but stable condition in the QEII Health Sciences Centre on Monday.

Omond’s 2007 gray-coloured Dakota truck was found on the eastbound shoulder of Highway 101, presumably he tried to avoid colliding with the westbound SUV, when it crossed the centerline.

Family members said that Omond underwent multiple surgeries earlier this week, and will likely face more in the days ahead.

A traffic collision re-constructionist was at the scene assisting with the investigation. The Middleton Volunteer Fire Department and Department of Transportation also provided assistance. The highway was closed for almost four hours.