Warning: This article contains disturbing images and details. An Orillia man charged in a fiery June 2024 crash in Ramara Twp. that killed a man on his way to church, heard from witnesses at his preliminary hearing. Tyson Altvater, 34, walked into the Orillia courthouse Thursday for the start of the hearing, accused of dangerous driving causing death in the Highway 12 crash that claimed the life of 92-year-old Cecil Byers. RELATED: Orillia man, 32, charged in Highway 12 crash that claimed senior’s life Police said Byers was a passenger in a car on the way to church when it was hit at the intersection with MacNeil Street, steps from Concession Road 11. Witnesses, at the time, said the red sports car driven by Altvater burst into flames moments after the crash. Fire officials told CTV News that Byers and the man behind the wheel that night were trapped and had to be rescued from their vehicle. All three people involved in the crash were taken to hospital. Byers was airlifted to St. Mike’s in Toronto, where he succumbed to his injuries two days later, according to investigators. He died a week shy of his 93rd birthday. Altvater, who was charged four months after the crash and spent more than a year looking for defence counsel, is represented by lawyer Eli White. An online obituary said Byers and his wife Caryl had been married for 66 years and described him as a member of the Ramara Historical Society, CN pensioners, Ramara Seniors and bowling league. He is remembered by loved ones for being a hard-working respected member of his community who loved his family, church, trains and his backhoe. Witnesses told the court what they saw the night of the crash in the hearing, but a publication ban prevents any evidence heard during the proceedings from being revealed. Altvater’s preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue in October. The allegations against him have not been tested in court.
