Andrew Cristillo, pictured with his wife and three daughters, died in a head-on crash on August 3. CTV
An Ontario family is mourning the loss of Andrew Cristillo, a devoted father of three, after a head-on crash earlier this month. The driver accused in the tragedy, 18-year-old Jaiwin Victor Kirubananthan, also faced charges earlier this year for a collision involving Ontario’s premier.
The fatal crash happened on August 3 around 9 p.m. on Highway 48 near Aurora Road in Whitchurch-Stouffville. Cristillo was driving home from his parents’ house with his wife, Christina, and their daughters Leah, 7, Chloe, 6, and Ella, 4, when their car was struck head-on.
Cristillo died instantly. His wife and children survived but suffered serious injuries. Christina, recently diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, somehow found the strength to kick through the windshield and rescue each of her daughters while they cried out for their father.
Remembering Andrew
“Andrew was a gift to the world. The funniest guy, and an amazing father,” said his brother, Jordan Cristillo. “We want justice for Andrew… so no other families suffer this pain.”
Cristillo had been the main provider and caregiver for his family, making the loss even more devastating.
Driver’s History Raises Questions
Court documents reveal Kirubananthan is charged with dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing bodily harm to the three girls, and making a false statement to police.
Earlier this year, he was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle after a January collision on Highway 401 involving Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s vehicle. The premier, along with others in the car, was unharmed.
Recalling that crash, Ford said, “We were just driving straight, and the next thing we know, we got hammered, just hammered.”
A Family in Mourning
The Cristillo family now faces two heartbreaking battles: Christina’s fight against cancer and the emotional toll of Andrew’s death. Jordan shared that Leah had saved a spot on her cast for her dad’s signature — a moment that will never happen.
The girls learned of their father’s death last week. They are still recovering in hospital.
Community Support and Legal Process
A crowdfunding campaign has raised nearly $300,000 to help support the children’s future. The community continues to rally around the family during this unimaginable time.
Kirubananthan appeared in court in Newmarket on Monday for a bail hearing, which was adjourned. His lawyer has not responded to requests for comment.
For now, the Cristillo family focuses on preparing for Andrew’s funeral while trying to piece together life without him.
