Train-car crash kills Acton woman

A 27-year-old Acton woman is dead after a VIA train collided with her car at a Dublin Line crossing north of Hwy. 7 Wednesday morning. At press time Halton Police had not released the name of the victim pending notification of next of kin, but her family members confirmed Thursday the woman killed was Heather Boyd of Dublin Line. Boyd's Honda Civic, which had just turned northbound on Dublin Line after traveling westbound on Hwy. 7, was struck by the westbound passenger train then dragged approximately one km along the tracks. Boyd was extracted from the wreckage then rushed to Georgetown Hospital where she was pronounced dead. No one else was in the vehicle. No one on the train was injured and all 88 passengers on board were bused to their destinations. "It (the car) was just crushed pretty much; there wasn't very much left of it," said Beth Macleod of Acton, who drove by the scene later in the day. The 10-year-resident said she hadn't seen an accident like this in the area before. The accident is still being investigated by police. Any witnesses are asked to call Halton Regional Traffic Bureau at 905-878-5511 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

The crossing was equipped with flashing lights and bells, but not gates, said Georgetown Kevin McKinnon, spokesperson for the Goderich-Exeter Railway. He said the signals were working at the time of the accident. He said the decision to install gates is based on traffic volume and is made by the municipality. At press time Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette said, "We (the Town) have concerns about un-gated crossings. We will be contacting the rail line and Transport Canada to review the need for gates there." Boyd's parents Lynne and Michael Boyd of Kingsville, Ontario, said their daughter grew up in and attended Harrison and

Centennial elementary schools and Georgetown District High School. "Heather was best known for her vivacious personality," said her mother. "She always had a smile on her face and was always there for friends when needed." She said her daughter was always available to listen when someone needed her. "Heather was full of life and always had a kind word about everyone she met," said Boyd's mother. Boyd is survived by her parents, brother Philip, spouse Paul Simpkin and his son Tyler, and her grandmother Yvonne Boyd. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at J. S. Jones & Son Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Monday, the time and location had not been determined at press time. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Georgetown.