Lanark County paramedic identified as victim of motorcycle crash

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A local paramedic has been identified as the victim of last weekend's fatal motorcycle crash south of Smiths Falls.

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The Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS) announced this week that David Nitschmann, 37, who had been with the department since 2008, was killed while riding his motorcycle on May 26.

“David was known throughout the department and in the community for his contagious smile and laughter, but also for the care and dedication he provided to the patients he served,” the paramedic service wrote in a message about the social networks.

“He will truly be missed by his entire family here at LCPS.”

Leeds County OPP said earlier this week that a man and his motorcycle were found in the west ditch along County Road 29 around 5 a.m. on May 26.

The collision occurred on the stretch of highway between Kitley Line 6 and Kinch Street, just outside the village of Toledo and about 20 kilometers south of Smiths Falls.

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The motorcyclist appeared to be heading south when the crash occurred, police said, but the time and cause of the collision are still under investigation.

The motorcycle was cold to the touch when officers arrived on scene, police said, and although life-saving measures were taken immediately, the driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nitschmann officially began his career in 2008, Lanark County officials said, but he also worked with them as a student while completing his training. His colleagues remember him for his kind heart and contagious laugh, calling him a “great paramedic and friend.”

According to his obituary, Nitschmann was born in 1987, perhaps coincidentally, on May 1 – a day recognized in Ontario as First Responders Day.

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Being a paramedic was a natural fit for the man known for his empathetic attitude, and helping others was one of his many life passions.

“He was excellent at his job, he loved people; help them, meet them and be with them,” the obituary read.

He was also passionate about his family, his dogs, scuba diving, eating at a “great restaurant,” and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

“He loved sharing what he was passionate about – because he truly loved living large. His empathy was his greatest gift,” his obituary states.

“He smiled with his eyes, laughed with his belly and loved from the bottom of his heart.”

He was the son of Frank and Jane Nitschmann and the brother of Paul, Adam, Isaac, Elizabeth, Veronica and Rebekah. He was also the uncle of eight nieces and nephews: Frank, Jackson, Maeve, Angus, Hugh, Harper, Axel and Xavier.

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“He will be sadly missed by many members of his extended family, friends, colleagues, patients and the community. »

A service will be held at Blair and Son Funeral Home in Perth on June 3 from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. A memorial mass will also be held at St. John's Catholic Church on June 4 at 11 a.m.

In his memory, his family said, memorial contributions to the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation – Emergency Services, or to Pivotal Help would be greatly appreciated.

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