Islander Isabel Gallagher was killed Tuesday afternoon, May 17, when the vehicle she was a passenger in collided with a transport truck in Clearview Township, Ontario, 40 miles northwest of Toronto.

Chief Bob McKean of the Clearview Fire Department said the crash happened around 3 p.m. By coincidence, firefighters literally drove onto the scene moments after the collision, he said.

Gallagher died at the scene, just two days before her 71st birthday, her friend Margo MacVicar-Whelan said.

Gallagher, who had lived on the Island for 30 years, was a private flute teacher. According to MacVicar-Whelan, she has taught the instrument to hundreds of Islander youth throughout the years, many of them referred to her by Mercer Island School District music teachers.

The driver of the car was airlifted to St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and police report his injuries are serious. The driver of the truck was reported to have minor injuries.

The family has yet to finalize service arrangements. For information, call (206) 406-3856.