Halton police are now saying a sudden medical episode may be behind a July 2 tragedy that saw a vehicle plunge into Lake Ontario from Burlington’s La Salle Park, killing the married couple inside.

On Monday, July 22, Const. Ryan Anderson, Halton police media relations officer, released several findings of the Halton police collision reconstruction unit’s investigation into this incident.

He noted an inspection of the vehicle has found no defects that would contribute to a loss of control or collision.

Anderson also said Halton police do not suspect foul play.

“Medical factors may have contributed to this incident and the coroner has listed a medical condition involving the heart (of the male) as the cause of death on the preliminary report,” he said.

“For privacy reasons I’m not going to disclose what the exact medical condition is. I can also confirm for you that investigators believe the male was the driver.”

Anderson also confirmed drowning as the cause of death of the woman found in the vehicle.

At 8:01 p.m. on July 2, Halton police received reports that a navy-blue sedan had driven into Lake Ontario, with initial information that there were several occupants inside.

Efforts by witnesses, police, firefighters and paramedics were unsuccessful in rescuing the occupants.

Overnight recovery efforts — which included help from the Peel Regional Police diving team — found a 55-year-old man and a 51-year-old woman from Burlington.

A family member has since identified the couple as David and Natalie Black.

The coroner’s information is in keeping with a witness report from the scene.

Trevor Wadham, who saw the vehicle enter the water, described the driver as appearing to either be suffering a medical issue or being panicked, noting the man’s arms were locked on the steering wheel.

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A GoFundMe page has been created to assist the Blacks’ two young adult children. The page’s creator says they are facing a great deal of financial pressure in the wake of their parents’ death.

After 12 days, this page surpassed its goal of $5,000.

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