A man from Cobalt, a town in northern Ontario, has admitted to attempting to murder his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend with a sword two years ago. Phillipe Rivard Gagnon, aged 20, made this admission at the Haileybury courthouse earlier this week.

The incident occurred on November 3, 2024, when Kaylie Smith, after finishing work, was disembarking a transit bus in Cobalt and was struck by an SUV allegedly driven by Gagnon. Following the collision, Gagnon reportedly assaulted her with a sword.

Kaylie’s family revealed in interviews that one of her hands was severed, while the other suffered severe damage.

Gagnon, who was 18 at the time of the attack, was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon. He has remained in custody since then and has been transferred from the North Bay jail to attend court proceedings in Haileybury over the past two years.

During his recent court appearance, Gagnon pleaded guilty to the attempted murder charge, while the weapons charge is pending resolution in the upcoming months. A sentencing date has not been set, but the case is scheduled to return to Haileybury court on September 16.

Kaylie Smith, the victim, has been described by her family as resilient and strong.

For immediate assistance or if you are in a dangerous situation, please call 911. If you are impacted by family or intimate partner violence, seek support through crisis hotlines and local services.