Hamilton, Haldimand County paramedics mourning death of ‘caring and compassionate’ colleague

Hamilton and Haldimand County paramedics are mourning the loss of one of their own after a 32-year-old colleague died over the weekend in a marine accident in upstate New York.

Ria Vannoort was pronounced dead Saturday night a few hours after she fell off a jet ski and was found floating in the water of Lake Ontario in Niagara County.

The Niagara County Sheriff's Office said in a release the Canfield native was attending a party in Wilson, N.Y., a small fishing and boating town about 50 kilometres north of Buffalo, and took a personal jet ski offshore.

Partygoers soon noticed Vannoort floating in the lake and brought her back to shore on a second vessel, police said. She was taken to Eastern Niagara Lockport Hospital where she later died.

A secretary to the Niagara County Sheriff's deputy couldn't confirm the extent of Vannoort's injuries Monday and said investigators have yet to receive results from her autopsy.

The young paramedic is remembered for her cheerful nature and penchant to uplift patients and colleagues alike.

First and foremost, Hamilton Paramedic Service (HPS) would like to send our deepest condolences to Ria's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time as they mourn Ria," said Supt. Dave Thompson of HPS.

Rita was kind, caring and compassionate; she represented the service and the profession proudly."

Despite a brief spell at HPS - Vannoort began working there in the spring of 2021 - Thompson said she had such a huge impact on her patients and coworkers" and will be missed by us all."

Our peer support team was immediately activated to support our members as they support each other through this difficult time," he added.

Vannoort also recently doubled her time as an area paramedic when she took a job with Haldimand County Emergency Services in May.

She was a fantastic, caring medic and will be missed by all staff," said spokesperson Jason Gallagher.

Niagara County police said its criminal investigation bureau and marine unit continue to probe the fatal boating accident.

Sebastian Bron is a reporter at The Spectator. sbron@thespec.com