Verdict expected in fatal boat crash trial involving Linda O’Leary

A verdict is expected Tuesday in the trial of Linda O’Leary, charged in a fatal boat crash that claimed the lives of two people in Muskoka two years ago.

O’Leary, the wife of Canadian businessman and TV personality Kevin O’Leary, has pleaded not guilty to one charge of careless operation of a vessel under the Canada Shipping Act.

She was operating a boat when it collided with another vessel on Lake Joseph, just north of Toronto, on Aug. 24, 2019.

Two people on the other boat — Gary Poltash, 64, of Florida, and Suzana Brito, 48, from Uxbridge, Ont. — died from their injuries. Three others were also hurt.

O’Leary, her husband, and a family friend were returning to their cottage from a dinner party at another cottage when the collision took place.

O’Leary’s lawyer said his client should be cleared because there is evidence the other boat’s lights were off at the time of the incident and the vessel could hardly be seen.