ATV Crash Kills 4-Month-Old Baby in Nova Scotia: Mother Charged with Impaired Driving

A Nova Scotia woman has been charged after an off-road ATV crash last year claimed the life of her infant daughter. The fatal collision happened on May 27, 2024, near the 1100 block of Forties Road in New Ross, N.S.

4-Month-Old Killed in Rollover Crash

RCMP say Madisyn Elizabeth Parker, 28, was behind the wheel of a Polaris side-by-side when it flipped on a narrow gravel logging road. The rollover resulted in life-threatening injuries to her 4-month-old daughter, Nevaeh Swinimer, who later died in hospital.

Two other passengers were also hurt. A second child sustained minor injuries, while a 52-year-old man from New Ross and Parker both suffered serious injuries.

Driver Allegedly Over Twice the Legal Alcohol Limit

Following an extensive investigation by RCMP collision reconstruction experts and forensic teams, Parker was arrested on June 4, 2025. Blood analysis showed her blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash.

Parker now faces three serious charges:

• Impaired operation of a conveyance causing death
• Dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death
• Causing death by criminal negligence

She appeared in court and has been released with conditions. She is scheduled to return to Bridgewater provincial court on July 2, 2025.

ATV Safety Questions Resurface

The incident has renewed discussions around ATV safety regulations in Nova Scotia, especially concerning children riding in side-by-sides. At the time of the crash, there were no public details confirming the use of proper child restraints or seatbelts.

While the investigation remains ongoing, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further charges.

What do you think should change in Nova Scotia’s ATV laws to prevent another tragedy like this?

More…

• https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/nova-scotia/article/woman-charged-with-impaired-driving-offences-following-fatal-off-road-crash-ns-rcmp
• https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/lunenburg-county-atv-fatal-crash-charges
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/woman-charged-fatal-side-by-side-crash-lunenburg-county-1.7553420