Corinne Monette, 62, has been identified as one of the people killed in Sunday's five-vehicle crash on Highway 417 in rural west Ottawa, her family has confirmed.

The province's police watchdog is investigating why a vehicle was going the wrong way in the highway's westbound lanes near Panmure Road when it started a chain reaction collision.

In a written statement issued Wednesday, Monette's daughter, Laura Matte, called the crash "a senseless tragedy," and said her mom had a "heart of gold."

"She would help anyone who asked, and even those who didn't. She truly had mother's intuition to not only me, but anyone who might need a mother's love," Matte said, adding that everyone who met her mom "loved her instantly."

"Maybe it was her smile, maybe it was her spirit. No one will forget the impact she made on their lives. I'm so lucky to call her my mom. I hope I can carry forward all she has taught me and keep her ever present light shining," Matte said.

The man driving that vehicle, Michael Bourque, 36, was also killed . He had been under investigation by both Ontario Provincial Police and Ottawa police prior to the crash.

Two men in their 20s in a different vehicle were taken to hospital in critical condition, but are expected to survive.