WHITBOURNE, NL –
July 17, 2025 – A tragic incident over the weekend has left a Newfoundland and Labrador community in mourning after an 18-year-old man died as a result of a moose-vehicle collision on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) near Whitbourne.
According to Whitbourne RCMP, the fatal crash occurred on the evening of Friday, July 11, when officers responded to a report of a collision involving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) and a moose. The vehicle, carrying two occupants, struck the large animal while traveling along the TCH. The 18-year-old driver sustained critical injuries in the impact and was rushed to the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, police were informed on July 15 that the young man had succumbed to his injuries in hospital. His name has not yet been publicly released out of respect for the family’s privacy.
The passenger in the vehicle survived the crash, though the extent of their injuries has not been disclosed.
This devastating incident was one of three separate moose-vehicle collisions that occurred along the same stretch of highway near Whitbourne on that same Friday evening, prompting heightened concern from authorities and a public safety advisory issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Newfoundland and Labrador Division.
RCMP are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, particularly during dusk and nighttime hours when moose are more active and difficult to spot. Moose collisions are a well-documented danger on Newfoundland’s roads, especially during the summer months when travel increases and wildlife activity intensifies.
“Incidents like these serve as a somber reminder of the hazards posed by moose on our highways,” stated an RCMP spokesperson. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the young man whose life was tragically cut short.”
Officials encourage motorists to:
- Reduce speed in high-risk areas
- Remain alert and avoid distractions
- Watch for moose warning signs
- Use high beams when safe to do so at night
- Scan road shoulders and ditches for movement
Wildlife-vehicle collisions can happen in the blink of an eye, and the size and weight of moose make such accidents especially dangerous, often leading to severe vehicle damage and serious injury or death.
The Whitbourne RCMP continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision. Any witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage from the area on the evening of July 11 are asked to contact police.
As the province grapples with this heartbreaking loss, residents are being reminded to stay vigilant on the roads and report any moose sightings near major routes to the local authorities.
The RCMP and local leaders have reiterated their commitment to improving road safety and continue to work with provincial transportation officials to monitor and mitigate moose-related risks along the TCH.
The community of Whitbourne and surrounding areas are coming together in support of the victim’s family as they mourn the untimely death of a young life lost too soon.
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