Why Was a New Trial Ordered in the Lake Ontario Boat Crash That Killed Two?

What happened in the Lake Ontario boat crash?

On 31 May 2022, a boat carrying a group of passengers struck rocks and flipped near Tommy Thompson Park on Lake Ontario. Two passengers died in the crash: Megan Wu, 24, of Newmarket, and Julio Abrantes, 34, of Richmond Hill.

Filip Grkovski, 41, of Mississauga, was later charged in connection with the crash. At his trial, a central question was who had been driving the boat when it struck the rocks. Eyewitnesses at the trial were unable to say who was driving at the moment of the crash.

Why has a new trial been ordered?

Ontario's highest court has set aside Grkovski's acquittals and ordered a new trial. The ruling, reported on 13 October 2026, overturns the outcome of the first trial, at which Grkovski had been acquitted of all eight charges against him.

The charges included two counts of criminal negligence causing death and two counts of impaired operation causing death. Grkovski had been acquitted on 20 May 2025.

The decision means the case will be heard again, with the question of who was operating the boat at the time of the crash again expected to be central. A date for the new trial has not been reported.

• Crash: 31 May 2022, near Tommy Thompson Park, Lake Ontario
• Victims: Megan Wu, 24, of Newmarket; Julio Abrantes, 34, of Richmond Hill
• Accused: Filip Grkovski, 41, of Mississauga
• Original verdict: Acquitted on all eight charges on 20 May 2025
• Latest ruling: Acquittals set aside; new trial ordered (13 October 2026)

Frequently asked questions

Who died in the Lake Ontario boat crash?

Megan Wu, 24, of Newmarket, and Julio Abrantes, 34, of Richmond Hill, were killed when the boat struck rocks and flipped near Tommy Thompson Park on 31 May 2022.

Who was charged over the crash?

Filip Grkovski, 41, of Mississauga, faced eight charges, including criminal negligence causing death and impaired operation causing death.

Why was a new trial ordered?

Ontario's highest court set aside Grkovski's acquittals and ordered a new trial. Eyewitnesses at the first trial had been unable to say who was driving when the boat struck the rocks.

When will the new trial take place?

A date for the new trial has not been reported.