Simcoe County potato farmer killed in equipment accident

ALLISTON — A young potato farmer died after being critically injured in an equipment accident at his family’s Alliston farm late last month. 

Jonathan Vander Zaag, 24, died in hospital after emergency crews responded to P&K Vander Zaag Farms around 12:30 p.m. on Friday afternoon, March 31. He had become trapped in a piece of equipment, police said.

He was the son of farm owners Peter and Kate Vander Zaag, and according to his LinkedIn profile, an associate of the farm since 2019, as well as a 2021 graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s bachelor of mechanical and materials engineering science program.

“We already miss our Jono’s easy smile and big hugs,” his family said in the obituary that describes his loss as “unthinkable.”

Kevin Brubacher, general manager of the Ontario Potato Board, said it was “an extremely tragic accident that has rocked the whole industry.” The Vander Zaags are prominent growers in Ontario’s potato sector, he said. The brother of the deceased, Jacob, is a current director on the board.

“It’s a terrible tragedy,” Brubacher said. 

A spokesperson for the provincial Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills confirmed that an investigation remains ongoing into Jonathon Vander Zaag’s critical injury and death. One undisclosed requirement was issued to the farm, according to the ministry, which offered condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of the deceased.  No further details were released pending the investigation.

Vander Zaag is survived by his parents, and by his partner, Caitlin, four sisters, one brother and 10 nephews and nieces.