Man who died in Rideau Ferry Regatta boat crash ID'd

A 69-year-old man has died after a crash Saturday afternoon at an eastern Ontario boat regatta, police say.

William Pearson's boat became airborne during one of the races on Lower Rideau Lake at the Rideau Ferry Regatta at about 1:30 p.m., according to Ontario Provincial Police.

Pearson was ejected from his boat. Lanark County paramedics took him to hospital with life-threatening injuries, and he was pronounced dead a short time later.

He had been visiting the area from Lakeville, Minn., police said.

An autopsy was scheduled to take place at the Ottawa Hospital, OPP said.

Regatta's 120th anniversary

According to the regatta's website, the two-day event in Rideau Ferry, Ont., features races in which boaters' speeds can reach up to 160 km/h.

This year also marks the the 120th anniversary of the regatta.

OPP continue to investigate. Rideau Ferry is approximately 95 kilometres southwest of Ottawa.