An Elmira, Ont., couple’s cross-Canada tractor tour ended tragically Monday in Saskatchewan.
Bettina Schuurmans, 55, was killed and her husband Henk, also 55, was injured when their tractor collided with a semi north of Saskatoon.
READ MORE: Woman killed in crash between tractor and semi on Highway 16
Warman RCMP said the collision happened Monday morning on Highway 16 between Saskatoon and Langham.
Medavie Health Services told Global News that Henk was taken to hospital in stable condition.
The pair had been travelling across Canada since late June on a John Deere tractor with a cow strapped to the back.
The tour involved talking to consumers about supply management and its benefits for the dairy sector. It was being documented on Twitter.
A spokesperson for the Dairy Farmers of Ontario said Bettina’s death as a loss for the dairy industry.
“The news of the tragic accident that happened in Saskatchewan yesterday is devastating,” said Dairy Farmers of Ontario spokesperson Laural Adams in an email.
“The passion that Henk and Bettina Schuurmans had for the Canadian dairy industry was evident in their efforts in organizing and embarking on their tour across Canada.
“Everyone at Dairy Farmers of Ontario is saddened by this news, and we send our condolences to Henk and the family.”
A gofundme campaign has been established to help the family with any expenses incurred. It has quickly surpassed the stated goal of raising $10,000.
— With files from Global News’ Dave Giles and The Canadian Press
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