A fatal pedestrian collision in Cambridge last month has led to a serious criminal charge, as Waterloo Regional Police confirm that an elderly driver is now facing legal consequences in connection with the death of a 34-year-old woman. The case has renewed public concern around road safety, pedestrian protection, and the emotional toll such tragedies continue to have on the community.

Fatal Collision Under Investigation Since November

Crash Occurred in a Busy Cambridge Area

The incident dates back to November 20, when emergency services were dispatched to a reported pedestrian collision near the intersection of Langs Drive and Industrial Road in Cambridge. Police say the call came in shortly around midday, a time when traffic and pedestrian activity in the area is typically high.

Upon arrival, officers found that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle under circumstances that immediately raised serious concerns. The injured pedestrian, later identified as a 34-year-old woman from Cambridge, was transported to hospital by paramedics.

Despite medical efforts, she later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead, sending shockwaves through her family, friends, and the wider community.

Charge Laid After Continued Police Review

Elderly Driver Facing Serious Allegation

Following several weeks of investigation, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) provided an update on Friday, confirming that the driver involved in the collision has now been formally charged.

Police stated that the driver, a 75-year-old woman from Cambridge, has been charged with careless driving causing death, a serious offence under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.

The charge reflects police findings after reviewing evidence from the scene, witness statements, and other investigative materials collected in the aftermath of the crash.

Upcoming Court Appearance

Authorities confirmed that the accused is scheduled to make her first court appearance in Kitchener in early February. As with all charges, the allegation has not yet been tested in court, and the legal process will determine the outcome.

Police have not released additional details regarding the specific circumstances that led to the charge, citing the ongoing judicial process.

A Community Reeling From Multiple Pedestrian Deaths

Recent Tragedies Raise Alarms

This fatal collision is not an isolated incident. The charge announcement comes at a particularly painful time for Cambridge residents, following another devastating pedestrian tragedy in the city.

Just days before police issued their update, a three-year-old child was struck and killed by a vehicle, while the adult accompanying the child suffered serious injuries. That incident further intensified public grief and concern over pedestrian safety across the city.

The close timing of both tragedies has left many residents shaken, prompting renewed discussions around traffic enforcement, infrastructure design, and driver awareness.

Mayor Addresses the Emotional Impact

“Unfathomable” Loss Felt Across the City

In response to the two fatal pedestrian incidents, Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett released a statement acknowledging the profound emotional toll these events have taken on the community.

Describing the pain as “unfathomable,” the mayor emphasized the collective grief being felt during what is typically a season associated with togetherness and reflection.

“Our community is a loving one and grieves today at these needless losses of a small child yesterday and a young mother three weeks ago,” Liggett said in her statement.

Recognizing the Wider Impact

The mayor also extended compassion to those indirectly affected by the tragedies, including first responders, witnesses, and passersby who were exposed to the traumatic scenes.

“We additionally think about the first responders, passersby and others witnessing these horrific events, keeping them in our hearts as well,” the statement continued.

Her words highlighted that the impact of fatal collisions extends far beyond the victims’ families, affecting many layers of the community.

Police Emphasize Road Safety Awareness

Ongoing Concerns Around Pedestrian Protection

While not directly commenting on the specifics of the charge, Waterloo Regional Police have consistently emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly when it comes to protecting vulnerable road users such as pedestrians.

Pedestrian-involved collisions often result in severe or fatal injuries, even at lower speeds, underscoring the need for heightened driver attentiveness in residential and mixed-use areas.

Authorities continue to urge drivers to remain alert, slow down near intersections, and exercise extra caution during daylight transitions and winter conditions, when visibility can be compromised.

Legal and Community Implications

Careless Driving Causing Death Explained

Under Ontario law, careless driving causing death is a serious charge that alleges a driver operated a vehicle without due care and attention, leading to a fatal outcome. Penalties can include substantial fines, licence suspension, and, in some cases, imprisonment if convicted.

Legal experts note that such cases often involve complex assessments of driver behavior, road conditions, and surrounding circumstances.

Community Calls for Preventative Measures

In the wake of recent tragedies, residents and advocacy groups have renewed calls for enhanced pedestrian safety measures. These include improved crosswalk visibility, traffic-calming initiatives, and increased enforcement in high-risk areas.

While city officials have not announced specific new measures related to these incidents, the public conversation around safety improvements has gained momentum.

Remembering the Victims

Beyond the Headlines

At the heart of the investigation and the legal proceedings lies a profound human loss. The 34-year-old woman killed in the November collision has been remembered by those who knew her as a valued member of the community, while the death of the three-year-old child has deeply affected residents across Cambridge and beyond.

Community members have expressed sorrow and solidarity with the grieving families, emphasizing the need to honor the victims by working toward safer streets for everyone.

Conclusion: A Sobering Reminder for All Road Users

The laying of a careless driving causing death charge marks a significant development in the investigation of the November pedestrian fatality in Cambridge. However, for many residents, it also serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on city streets.

As the case moves through the courts, the community continues to mourn, reflect, and call for meaningful action to prevent future tragedies. With emotions still raw, local leaders, police, and residents alike face the challenge of transforming grief into lasting change—ensuring that Cambridge’s roads become safer places for pedestrians, drivers, and families alike.