Warkworth man dies after ‘propane explosion at golf resort property’

Peterborough County OPP says an investigation continues after a Warkworth man was injured after a propane explosion at a golf course resort and then later died in hospital. /OPP photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

An investigation is continuing after police say a 63-year-old Warkworth man died after a “propane explosion at a golf resort property” in Otonabee-South Monaghan in the County of Peterborough.

According to Peterborough County OPP, on July 22, 2026, at about 3 p.m., emergency crews responded to a report of a propane explosion in the Villiers Line area. In an initial update, police didn’t identify a specific property but have since stated the explosion occurred in a residential trailer on property owned by Bellmere Winds Golf Resort, which has a 1235 Villiers Line address.

Initial reports indicated one person – a 63-year-old Warkworth man – was first transported from the scene by ambulance before being airlifted to a Toronto-area hospital with life-threatening injuries. In a subsequent update, police said the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on July 23, 2026.

“The investigation into the explosion is being conducted by the Peterborough County OPP major crime unit, in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Marshal, Technical Standards and Safety Authority, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service,” said OPP, in their latest update.

Two statements have since been posted on the Bellmere Winds Golf Resort Facebook page. Both statements end indicating the message is from the senior executive team with Great Blue Resorts.

The first spoke to an incident that occurred involving a cottage at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort and described a valued team member who had sustained serious injuries. The statement also pointed to no other injuries reported.

“Our thoughts are with our team member and their loved ones during this difficult time,” wrote Great Blue Resorts, in their first post. “We are providing our full support and are grateful for the swift response of emergency services and first-responders.

“The safety and well-being of our guests, owners, team members and contractors remain our highest priority,” the statement read. “We are co-operating fully with the appropriate authorities as they investigate the incident.”

In an updated statement also showing as from Great Blue Resorts posted on July 23, it stated: “It is profound sadness that we share news that a member of our team has passed away from the injuries sustained following an incident at Bellmere Winds Golf Resort on Wednesday, July 22.

“The loss of our team member is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside them. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with their family, loved ones, friends and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are supporting our community and ask that the family be afforded privacy as they grieve.”

Officials went on to note that counselling support was being made available at the resort.

“We remain grateful to … emergency services and first-responders who attended the scene. We continue to co-operate fully with the appropriate authorities as they investigate the incident.”

No other details were available at press deadline.