Two men, identified in community tributes as Dan Gillespie and Darren Charters, have died following a tragic collision involving a utility task vehicle (UTV) and another vehicle on Tweedside Road in New Brunswick, leaving families, friends and neighbouring communities grieving the sudden loss.
The fatal collision occurred on October 24, 2026, prompting a response from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ambulance New Brunswick and the Harvey Fire Department. The incident has cast a shadow over communities including Harvey, Burtts Corner, Keswick and McAdam, where residents have shared condolences and remembered those who lost their lives.
According to information attributed to the RCMP, officers responded to the collision at approximately 2:44 p.m. Investigators believe a vehicle travelling southbound crossed into the opposing lane and collided with the UTV.
Both occupants of the UTV, men aged 52 and 43 from Harvey, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. Community tributes have identified the men as Dan Gillespie and Darren Charters.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 28-year-old from Fredericton, was transported to hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
Emergency Crews Respond to Fatal Collision
Emergency personnel worked at the scene as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the crash. The RCMP’s Forensic Collision Analysis Team assisted with the investigation, while Tweedside Road remained closed for several hours to allow emergency operations and collision analysis to proceed.
The road was subsequently reopened. Police have indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, and the precise circumstances leading to the collision have not been fully established.
Authorities have not released further details about the events immediately preceding the crash beyond the preliminary findings.
Community Tributes Honour the Victims
As news of the tragedy spread, expressions of sympathy emerged from across the surrounding communities. Dan Gillespie and Darren Charters were remembered in local tributes alongside Dan Boone, as residents acknowledged the grief being experienced by their families, friends and wider circles.
The deaths have brought renewed attention to the close connections that unite rural communities, where the loss of residents can be felt far beyond their immediate families.
For those mourning Gillespie and Charters, the days following the collision are likely to be marked by difficult questions, cherished memories and the challenge of adjusting to an unexpected absence.
Further information about the men’s personal lives, careers, family members and funeral arrangements has not been confirmed in the details available for this report.
Investigation Continues
The RCMP investigation into the fatal collision remains active. Investigators will continue examining the evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Until further findings are released, the preliminary account of how the collision occurred should not be treated as a final determination of responsibility.
As Harvey and neighbouring communities mourn, thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who died, as well as everyone affected by the tragedy.
Dan Gillespie and Darren Charters will be remembered by those who knew them, while their sudden deaths leave a painful void in the communities they called home. In the face of such loss, the support of family, friends and neighbours can provide an important source of comfort to those navigating the difficult days ahead.
