The partner of a man discovered deceased in the snow following a recent crash in Ottawa is honoring him as a dedicated father who put in long hours and was close to reuniting with his family.
Loraleigh Bailey expressed that her significant other, Cole Misner, was on the verge of reaching home when his minivan crashed on a rural road near Vernon in south Ottawa late one Friday night. The Special Investigations Unit (SIU), responsible for overseeing police actions in Ontario, stated that Ottawa police had been alerted to a vehicle rollover at 11:30 p.m. that evening.
Upon their initial search, officers did not find anyone in the vicinity of the vehicle and subsequently departed the scene. However, the following morning, a police officer returned to the location and discovered a deceased man underneath the snow nearby.
Bailey, aged 25, confirmed Misner, 24, as the individual found close to the crash site, which was only approximately 13 kilometers away from their residence in Winchester. The couple, parents of two children, had plans to marry later this year among other aspirations that have now been disrupted.
“This tragedy was beyond belief,” Bailey remarked about Misner’s passing. The ongoing investigation by the SIU aims to determine the circumstances surrounding Misner’s demise, particularly due to the potential presence of Ottawa police officers in the area at the time.
Bailey expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support from loved ones as she navigates the path forward as a single mother arranging her late partner’s funeral. While her young children may not fully comprehend the situation, they have sensed that something is amiss.
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, had a heartfelt commitment to his family, as evident in his dedication to work, spending quality time with his loved ones, and planning for a future together with Bailey.
John Bailey, Loraleigh’s father, initially cautious of Misner when he started dating his daughter, eventually grew fond of him due to Misner’s strong work ethic and character, which brought happiness to the family.
Bailey recounted her final conversation with Misner on the phone that fateful Friday night, cherishing the last words of love exchanged between them. She wore a cross belonging to Misner, entwined with her engagement ring, as a symbol of their enduring bond.
“We had envisioned growing old together,” Bailey reflected on their plans for the future. The family intends to hold memorial services for Misner in both Ottawa and Guelph, while the SIU encourages anyone with relevant information on the case to come forward.