Tragic Highway Incident Claims Life of Waterloo Woman
A 38-year-old Waterloo woman has died in a tragic accident after her vehicle mounted a snowbank on a highway ramp in Kitchener and plunged to the ground below. The incident occurred on Monday morning, January 26, 2026, and has prompted an outpouring of community support through a rapidly growing fundraiser.
Details of the Fatal Collision
Uyen Nguyen was on her way to work at Toyota when her vehicle drove over a snowbank on the westbound Highway 7 flyover ramp, falling onto Highway 8 below at approximately 7:30 a.m. According to reports from CBC News, Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Kerry Schmidt confirmed she died at the scene after losing control of her vehicle on the ramp and launching over the snow embankment.
Schmidt explained that plows had previously cleared the area, pushing snow to the edge of the concrete barrier. However, they were unable to push it over the barrier as it would have fallen onto the highway below, creating a hazardous condition.
Police Investigation Underway
The OPP is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash. Schmidt told CTV News that authorities will be examining multiple factors, including:
- A mechanical examination of the vehicle to check for any pre-existing issues
- Environmental factors related to weather and road conditions
- Human factors that may have contributed to the incident
The Highway 7 ramp remained closed following the collision until Ministry of Transportation contractors could clear the snow embankment, highlighting the ongoing winter maintenance challenges in the region.
Second Similar Incident Same Day
This was not the first vehicle to go over the embankment that day. Around 2 a.m. on Monday, the driver of a taxi cab also lost control on the same Highway 7 to Highway 8 ramp and ended up on the highway below. Fortunately, in that earlier incident, the driver was not seriously injured.
Schmidt noted that the taxi incident occurred further down the ramp where the drop was from a lower height, which likely contributed to the less severe outcome.
Community Response and Fundraiser
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe fundraiser has been established to support Nguyen's family. The campaign describes her as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend whose sudden loss has devastated those who knew her.
As of Thursday afternoon, the fundraiser had already surpassed $43,000 in donations, demonstrating significant community support for the grieving family during this difficult time.
Winter Driving Safety Concerns
The fatal incident occurred following Sunday's massive snowstorm, which left significant accumulations throughout the region. The tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges of winter driving conditions in Southern Ontario and raises questions about highway maintenance practices during severe weather events.
Police continue to remind drivers to exercise extreme caution during winter conditions, reduce speeds appropriately, and remain vigilant for changing road conditions, particularly on highway ramps and overpasses where snow accumulation can create unexpected hazards.
