Memorial Marks Tragic Anniversary as Pedestrian Toll Rises
One year after Donna Whyte and Paul Gilbert were tragically struck and killed while walking along Walker Road, their family gathered Tuesday to honor their memory, highlighting what they describe as an escalating pedestrian safety crisis in Windsor-Essex.
The couple, aged 68 and 63 respectively, were enjoying an evening stroll on November 18, 2024, when a vehicle lost control and mounted the sidewalk near Edna Street in Walkerville, ending their lives in what family members call a traumatic event that remains unforgettable.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Growing Problem
Windsor police have reported 108 pedestrian-involved collisions so far in 2025, resulting in three deaths and 105 injuries. The situation appears to be worsening, with November alone seeing at least three pedestrians struck by vehicles, one fatally.
These numbers follow 2024's troubling statistics, which recorded 115 pedestrian collisions with five fatalities throughout the year. The consistent pattern of accidents has raised serious concerns about road safety throughout the region.
Reggie Craig, Whyte's brother, expressed the family's ongoing grief during Tuesday's memorial gathering at the collision site. "The way it happened is so traumatic," Craig told reporters. "It's unbelievable that people don't feel safe walking on the sidewalk anymore."
Police Aim for Zero Fatalities Amid Complex Challenges
Inspector Rob Wilson of the Windsor Police Service's traffic enforcement unit emphasized the department's commitment to pedestrian safety. "Every person in the community should be able to feel safe walking through their neighbourhood," Wilson stated. "Our goal is to have zero serious injuries or fatalities on Windsor roads."
According to police analysis, no single factor explains the pedestrian collisions. The causes are multifaceted, including:
- Distracted driving and speeding
- Failure to yield to pedestrians
- Questionable pedestrian choices like crossing mid-block
- Poor visibility due to dark clothing or inadequate lighting
- Weather and road conditions
Police revealed that an extensive review of the collision that killed Whyte and Gilbert determined the driver had suffered a medical emergency. No charges were laid in that case.
The tragedy struck shortly after Gilbert's retirement from Bayview Glass and Mirror. He was scheduled to travel to Sarnia the day after the fatal crash to celebrate his retirement with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.
As Windsor-Essex continues to grapple with pedestrian safety, community members and officials alike are calling for more effective solutions to prevent further tragedies on local roads.
