The partner of a man discovered deceased in the snow following a recent crash in Ottawa is fondly remembering him as a dedicated father who put in long hours and was very close to reuniting with his family.
Loraleigh Bailey, speaking of her significant other Cole Misner whose minivan crashed on a rural road near Vernon in south Ottawa, mentioned, “He was on the verge of reaching home.” The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of Ontario, responsible for overseeing law enforcement activities, reported that Ottawa police were called at 11:30 p.m. that night regarding a vehicle rollover incident.
The SIU stated that upon arrival, officers did not find anyone in or around the vehicle and subsequently departed. However, the following morning, a police officer revisited the site and discovered a deceased individual under the snow nearby. Bailey, aged 25, confirmed that Misner, 24, was the individual found close to the crash site, just 13 kilometers away from their residence in Winchester.
Bailey and Misner, a couple for several years with two children, were preparing to wed later this year, along with other aspirations that have now been disrupted. She expressed, “His passing was completely unforeseen.” The SIU is currently conducting an investigation into the incident. They are scrutinizing the circumstances of Misner’s demise due to the potential presence of Ottawa police officers in the vicinity at the time of the incident.
The investigation is focused on the possibility of police facing criminal charges under specific circumstances, such as fatalities or severe injuries. Bailey acknowledged the challenging aspect of not knowing when she will receive more information but recognizes the significant task investigators have at hand. She emphasized her desire for the truth and indicated her eagerness to learn more about the incident.
Expressing gratitude for the support from loved ones, Bailey, now a single mother arranging her partner’s funeral, highlighted the challenge of explaining the situation to their young children. She recounted how her children, aged two and one, sensed something was amiss and asked for their father before bedtime.
Bailey and Misner, both originally from Guelph, relocated to Ottawa a few years ago to be closer to Misner’s late biological father. Misner, a construction worker who constructed his son’s first dresser, had plans with Bailey to establish a hobby farm with chickens. Bailey described Misner as a hard worker who always prioritized his family, dedicating long hours to work and ensuring time for his loved ones.
John Bailey, Loraleigh’s father, initially cautious of Misner when he began dating his daughter, later admired Misner’s work ethic and personality. He acknowledged the joy Misner brought to his daughter’s life and expressed gratitude for the happiness Misner had contributed to their family.
The last conversation Bailey had with Misner on the phone revolved around their weekend plans, concluding with Misner’s heartfelt words, “I love you.” Bailey wore Misner’s cross intertwined with her engagement ring around her neck on Tuesday, reminiscing about their plans for growing old together.
The family is organizing two memorial services for Misner, one in Ottawa and another in Guelph, inviting anyone with information or evidence related to the investigation to come forward, as urged by the SIU.