P.E.I. first responder killed June 18 in Summerville highway collision

SUMMERVILLE, P.E.I. – One of P.E.I.'s first responders was killed in a motor-vehicle collision in Summerville on June 18.

Annie MacPhee, a paramedic of more than 30 years, was on her way to work at the Montague base of Island EMS when the collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Route 3.

Her vehicle crossed the centre line and collided with a commercial pumper truck. The driver of that vehicle is uninjured, said an RCMP news release. An RCMP traffic reconstructionist attended the scene and a medical examination is scheduled to determine the cause of the incident.

A Go Fund Me was established on June 19 to help MacPhee's family with funeral expenses and within an hour the goal was all but met.

News of MacPhee's death circulated quickly among P.E.I.'s first responder communities and social media lit up with black bands across the blue star of life symbol, as fellow first responders signalled their grief.

MacPhee, a lifelong resident of the Bonshaw area, had also been a member of the Crapaud Volunteer Fire Department since 2007.

The fire department offered condolences and support for MacPhee's family including her father Chester, sister Shelley, children Tiffany and Noelle, and her precious pups. MacPhee was predeceased by her mother Norma, and her husband, fellow firefighter, Blaine.