Tragic Highway 104 Crash Claims Life of Seven-Year-Old Aidan Roy Denny
The peaceful stretch of Highway 104 near Dagger Woods Road and Pomquet-Monks Head Road in Antigonish County, Nova Scotia, became the site of an unimaginable tragedy late Friday night. What began as an ordinary drive turned into heartbreak for the Denny family when their seven-year-old son, Aidan Roy Denny, lost his life in a devastating collision that left several others injured.
According to early reports from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), emergency crews were called to the scene shortly before midnight following multiple 911 calls about a serious two-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, responders discovered the wreckage sprawled across both lanes of the highway, with debris and shattered glass reflecting in the flashing red and blue lights. Despite the rapid efforts of paramedics and firefighters, Aidan’s injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Other passengers in the vehicles were transported to local hospitals with varying degrees of injury. The RCMP confirmed that both drivers were cooperating with investigators, and collision analysts worked overnight to determine what caused the impact. Early findings indicate that road conditions were clear, suggesting that other factors such as speed, fatigue, or distraction may have played a role. However, police have not released final conclusions as the investigation remains ongoing.
Aidan Roy Denny was just seven years old, a bright, curious child whose boundless energy filled every room he entered. Those who knew him describe a boy who loved to learn — always asking questions, taking things apart just to figure out how they worked, and sharing his discoveries with an enthusiasm that made everyone around him smile. His teachers at Pomquet Consolidated School said he had an “engineer’s mind and an artist’s heart,” equally at home building Lego towers as he was drawing pictures for friends.
His parents, whose names have not been released publicly, are described by neighbors as “devoted, gentle people” who adored their only son. Aidan’s family released a brief statement through a relative, saying:
“Aidan brought light into our lives every single day. His laughter filled our home, his curiosity filled our hearts. We are lost without him, but forever grateful for the love he gave us.”
Those words capture the ache that now grips an entire community. In Antigonish, a town known for its close-knit spirit, grief has spread quickly. Families have left flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes near the site of the crash. One note, written by a classmate, simply reads: “I’ll miss you, Aidan. You made school fun.”
At St. Ninian’s Cathedral, prayers were offered during Sunday mass for the Denny family and all those affected. The Antigonish Education Centre has arranged grief counselors for students and parents struggling to make sense of the tragedy. “It’s hard for children to understand something so sudden and unfair,” one counselor said. “But we remind them that Aidan’s kindness and joy can live on in the way they treat each other.”
Local authorities continue to piece together the timeline of the crash. The Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) is assisting with the investigation, reviewing witness statements and any available dashcam footage. Officials say it could take several weeks before a final report is released. Meanwhile, the community is turning its attention toward supporting the Denny family — organizing meal trains, fundraising efforts, and memorial gatherings in Aidan’s honor.
On social media, messages of sympathy have poured in from across Nova Scotia and beyond. Friends and strangers alike have shared memories, photos, and words of comfort using the hashtag #ForeverAidan, turning heartbreak into a collective act of remembrance.
For those who loved him, the hardest part is knowing that the world will go on without Aidan’s bright laughter — the giggles that started every morning, the way he wrapped his arms around his parents for no reason at all. His short life, though brief, left an indelible mark. He reminded everyone who knew him how much joy can come from simple moments — a shared snack, a curious question, or a smile that could change the day.
As Antigonish mourns, one thing is certain: Aidan Roy Denny’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him. His story is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be, and how deeply one small life can touch so many others.
