Family Tragedies

From: Daughter Miu Lin Wong

My mom was killed by a dump truck driver on June 23, 2009 (second day of City strike) when she crossed an intersection at St. Helen's street/ Bloor before a STOP sign. My mom's head and body was severely disfigured and pronounced dead at the scene. We are shocked, devastated and traumatized by this violent end of our beloved mom who had been an ambassador of road safety - never jaywalked and very cautious.
The police informed us the driver was charged "careless driving causing death". However, when we attended the court hearing on Feb 4, 2010, we are extremely outraged to learn that the charge was changed to "unable to proceed with caution at a STOP sign". The driver was only fined $400 and 3 demerits points!
Where is justice? We, as family of victims, have no way to appeal both the conviction and the sentence. The killer was set free with just a slap on their hand. This judicial system is unfair, biased and fail to serve the justice. I am haunted and traumatized both by my mom's tragic death and this injustice system. Laws need to be changed to be tougher in order to protect public safety. Without the right to appeal, the victim's family is helpless, fooled and not respected of our pain and sufferings in our life time.

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From: Parents Dale and Donnalu Sabo

On Sunday, September 30th, 2007 our family was woken at 1:30am to the sound of our dog barking in response to the police knocking on our door. In an instant our lives were changed forever. Our young son was dead, killed in a highway traffic accident while on his way home from a local fair. Avery was a passenger sitting behind the driver who swerved in trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle which crossed the line, exposing the rear of the vehicle our son took the full force of two vehicles colliding at highway speeds, he was killed instantly. An off duty paramedic was directly behind the other vehicle and attended to Avery immediately after the collision, not even a whole operating room could have saved him.

The driver of the other car was a 17 year old girl, who admittedly fell asleep at the wheel, on record is that she knew she was tired and was having trouble staying awake, she opened her windows, turned up her music, tried chewing gum, none of which worked, she still fell asleep at the wheel, and in the end travelling at 90km or more an hour she hit the vehicle Avery was in. She was charged with "Careless Driving", the police indicated there was no probable cause to do a toxicology.

Avery was only 16 years old, the accident occurred the day before his and his twin sisters 17th birthday. On the Monday following the accident Avery's sister attended their high school and in a packed school gym with several hundred students they sang Happy Birthday to Avery. We miss him so much, our lives have been turned upside down, nothing is right anymore, he was so young, he never had a chance to graduate high school, he never owned a suit or a cell phone, and never had his license as he was nervous about driving. Not a moment goes by that we don’t think of him. We received a life sentence that night.

The court case took 18 months and at least 17 court appearances to run it's course. In the end the other driver finally plead guilty to the charges and received a $500 fine, a 1 year suspended license, and 1 year probation to keep the peace. In all the court appearances except for the last one, the other driver or her lawyer never attended, just a clerk to receive the date of the next adjournment. Being a highway traffic charge, we had to sit and listen time and time again in traffic court with people arguing about speeding tickets, parking tickets, and valid insurance permits, while we were there for our deceased son, the system offers no dignity or respect to victims in these circumstances. “Careless Driving" is a broken law, it doesn't take into account so many aspects of a tragedy, in our case this girl made a conscious decision to knowingly drive tired, with dire consequences.


We love you Avery, you’re missed so much.

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From: Mother Louise McGregor

On April 12, 2008 our lives came crashing down around us. On her way home from work, stopped on the highway with her left hand turn signal on awaiting oncoming traffic to pass, our beautiful 17 year old daughter Molly, was hit from behind by a pickup truck and sent careening into an on coming van. She was killed instantly. There were two boys, 17 & 18yrs old, in the truck and the back was full of beer cases (full & empty). It was light out-side; the road was clear and dry with almost 1km of straight highway & visibility. The elderly couple, in the van were seriously injured. After traveling right over Molly's car, the truck wobbled to an almost complete stop. There was so much debris & wreckage on the highway that traffic in both directions came to a stop and people started offering assistance. The two boys however, by sworn witness testimony, floored it and fled the scene. They were pursued by two separate 'good Samaritans', chased and stopped about 1.5km away down the next concession, out of sight. They testified they knew they had been in a BAD accident, they had a cell phone but never called 911 and although there was overwhelming evidence that there was almost a km of wide shoulder and driveways to pull over at the scene, they were in 'shock' and were trying to get to a safe place. It was a criminal charge, there was an abundance of evidence and the driver was acquitted from failing to remain at the scene of an accident where bodily harm had occurred. His 'shock' defense worked and people were outraged. Although the Judge found him guilty of Careless driving (his reasoning being he was an experienced, responsible driver, etc) he then contradicted himself & ruled that due to his immaturity & conflicting witness testimony as to the exact speed in which they fled, and acquitted him of failing to remain, (the more serious of the two charges as it is a criminal charge). The fact is he left, did not provide assistance, period. We have our sentencing on Thursday regarding the Careless, which is a joke, we are all too familiar now with our broken, antiquated justice system, and so we pretty much know how that is going to go. We are just three more victim’s, further victimized by the 'slap on the wrist ', he will receive. We have pressured our Crown to file for an Appeal to the failing to remain charge. As for the ‘careless’ charge, his defense was that he just didn’t even see her car until he was literally driving over it. It’s not like a deer jumping out in front of you; it didn’t drop out of the sky. We anxiously await their decision, for justice for all drivers, dignity for our daughter Molly, an innocent victim, her life ‘carelessly’ TAKEN form her, by a selfish, totally remorseless criminal. The way the laws are currently in place and the minimal consequences that are given for the senseless taking of a human life are intolerable. They should re-name the charge ‘carefree driving’, and issue the fines & tickets at the scene, as that is what lengthy court cases amount to. Molly was a beautiful, deep spirit just weeks away from her 18th birthday and high school graduation. She worked diligently to continue and purse a career in Medicine at Queens University & she was destined to change the world. She had an amazing capacity for empathy and compassion and strong sense of justice. She deeply affected the lives of all who knew her. We are now her voice, and will not rest until these flawed & biased laws are changed & guilty parties are held accountable and responsible. There are such things as genuine accidents; this was not one of them. This was absolutely, without a doubt, PREVENTABLE. The power of words. A young man was recently sentenced to 6 months in jail for killing a cat; the word ‘intent’ is the reason for the outcome. What if we placed the word ‘preventable’ in front of the word accident? Would that change things? The word ‘impaired’….something impaired his driving. Text messaging, watching a u-tube video on the cell phone, actual alcohol or drugs. No Breathalyzer was ever administered, even though the back of the truck was full of beer cases, full & empty. We must fight for change. Nothing can bring back our loved ones, it is not about vengeance, it is about justice & safety on our roads. In our hearts forever Molly, we love you.

Sincerely,
Louise McGregor
 

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 From: Mother June Sharpe

I am writing because I owe it to my dear daughter Paula Brouwer (Sharpe), who lost her life last spring after her car was rear-ended by a dump truck in Ottawa. And I want people who knew her to know that six others were given the gifts of life with her organ donations.

We had travelled to your city from British Columbia to spend the summer and celebrate many special events with Paula, our son-in-law, their 10-month old baby boy, and our son who lives in Toronto. On that tragic day, she was driving to have lunch her dad and me. With the baby in his car seat, her car was stopped, with the signal light on, to make a left turn off Prince of Wales Drive into the recreational vehicle park where our trailer was parked. As she waited to turn, a dump truck smashed into the back of her car.

Her dad was outside of our trailer waiting for her to arrive with our grandson. He heard the very loud bang but thought it was construction until he heard the sirens coming and stopping. He ran down to the corner praying it wasn't her car. Our grandson had some injuries and was treated in CHEO for a few days. Paula had severe injuries and died the following day at the Civic campus of the Ottawa Hospital.

She was only 31 years old.

She was a graduate of the University of British Columbia and had received many scholarships including one at the National Research Council in Ottawa. She played rugby for the Ottawa Indians Rugby Club for several years, most recently worked as a social worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association, and was involved in leadership at St. George's Anglican Church. She was loved by everyone who came in contact with her.

She donated all her organs which went to six different persons. Those who knew Paula and her generous spirit would know that providing others with another chance at a full life is exactly what she would have wanted. Whomever received Paula's heart is without doubt the luckiest person in the world. Life will never be the same for her family without our loving, caring Paula. I want her to be remembered by everyone in Ottawa, the city she loved and made her home in.

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From: Parents Howard and Barbara Wright

On Sunday, July 6th, 2008 Doug and Brenda were driving from their home to deliver flowers to the gravesite of our daughter and Doug's sister, Deanna. They were struck and killed by a 20 year old female, who failed to stop at a very visible stop sign. A row of trees obstructed Doug and Brenda's view of the vehicle as it approached the stop.
Incredibly, the driver had at least 100 meters of clear and open road to stop at the sign. We are having great difficulty in understanding how this could occur, on a side road, on a bright, sunny day with no traffic.
The subsequent court case resulted in the driver being fined $500.00 and a loss of 3 points from her driverÂ’s license. Interestingly, others in court that day were being fined as much as $1500.00 for driving without insurance. One can disregard the rules of the road, kill two people and face little significant punishment.
The devastation to this family cannot be described in words. Doug and Brenda were loved by many. They were giving and caring and had wonderful relationship with family, friends and community.
Not having children themselves, they spent much of their spare time supporting their parents in their senior years.
To carelessly take the lives of two people is unforgivable. For those with similar experiences, we understand the pain, sorrow and sadness that is a part of everyday life.
$500.00 and 3 points!

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From: Mother Catherine Newman

It was Tuesday November 11th 2008 at 2:30 in the afternoon, on a bright sunny day when my sons life was taken by a wreckless driver. He was only 20 years old. The driver, an irresponsible 17 year old girl failed to stop at a stop sign. The fine was $500.00.

Brandon was going to be a firefighter, he was on his way to the gym that afternoon, it was his day off. He never made it. I was at work, trying to reach Brandon on his cell phone because he was late for a pizza date with his little sister Taylor. It wasn't like him to forget. It became very clear by 8pm that evening, why I could not reach my son. The police showed up at work, with my devasted husband to tell me what no parent should ever have to hear, that my son was dead.

Our lives will never be the same without him. Myself (Catherine Pugh), his stepdad (Dave Newman), his little sister (Taylor Newman) and his big sister (Ashley Pugh) are trying daily, to accept his loss and live our lives honouring Brandon.

He was such a good son, brother, friend. We worked at the same place. I couldn't help beaming with pride everytime a co-worker would compliment me on raising such a genuinely kindhearted soul. Work will never be the same. Home will never be the same. All because of one careless driver.

What kind of message are we sending to these young drivers? The maximum fine for failing to stop at a stop sign is $500.00, whether or not you hit another vehicle or kill someone , its the same fine. They should be taught that there are consequences for their actions! This law must be changed! We cannot allow this to continue, too many lives have been taken and the guilty just walk away.

I love you, Brandon and miss you so much!!!

Mom
 

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From: Husband Bill Grys

Green was one of my wife Joan’s favourite colours.

It symbolized safety nature and her home.

An avid gardener, Joan a gorgeous, sparkling-eyed girl 50 years young, beautified our home and property with plants,trees,shrubs and flowers of all sizes, scents and shapes.

When the traffic light turned green on a bright, sunny day last July 14 at Coxwell and
Danforth Ave. in Toronto, Joan proceeded a few steps before a speeding car struck and killed her, And a lot of me, in the hours, days and months to follow.

Green was probably the last colour my wife’s eyes focused on.

She was 10 minutes from home.

Ten minutes from the safety of her plant, tree shrub and flower dominated house and
Property where we had spent most of our married life, recently in the loving company
Of a cat whom Joan adopted, adored and spoiled beyond measure.

Tom.

Police estimated that the car driven by a man fleeing the scene of a minor fender bender
A few blocks away, was travelling 80 miles per hour when it struck and killed my wife
And a lot of me.

He was not charged for this act of grotesque violence upon an innocent human being.
After a lengthy investigation, police informed me he was suffering from a medical
Condition at the time of the accident, and therefore no criminal charges would be laid.
His license has been suspended indefinitely.

The man was suffering from this medical condition prior to our tragedy. Just minutes
Before he struck and killed my wife, he frantically fled the scene after bumping into
A parked car while driving on Danforth Ave.

The obvious question is: why didn’t his doctor take the necessary steps to have his drivers’ license revoked because of his medical?

This question keeps me awake at night. I am afraid it may haunt me the rest of my life.

Why? Why wasn’t something done to prevent our tragedy?

Why?

How many other innocent people have suffered from similar tragedies?

How many other innocent people have been killed or maimed by medically incompetent
Motorists who should not have been allowed to drive due to their conditions?

Is anyone addressing this problem?

Why don’t the politicians, the police, the news media discuss this issue?

Why?

It somehow lessens the impact of what truly happened to Joan and I when it is referred to
As an accident?

Was it really an accident?

Could it not have been prevented?

Why wasn’t it?

It is too late for Joan and I.

How many other Joans, how many other living indirect victims of careless violence will
It take before something is done?

Bill Grys.

 

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From: lifelong friend Serena Leggo-Hall

Andrea was killed in Markham on May 30/2000 while out on her lunch break from work. She was killed on a very busy stretch of road by a man who just didn't care about the safety of those around him and proceeded to drive at approximately 171kms/hr in a 70km zone. Witnesses who saw and heard his car race by commented in court that they thought "that idiot is going to kill someone". And they were right.

Andrea was T-boned and killed instantly. The battery in her car flew 300 feet down the road from the force of the impact. She didn't have a chance. Witnesses described the impact as looking like a terrible explosion. They were sickened. They could not sleep with the visions in their heads.

Petro Lam was the reckless driver behind the wheel that killed my friend. We suffered through years of court appearances, trial proceedings, delays and recounting of the day she was killed. He never once showed an ounce of remorse. He never once said sorry. He even tried to blame the "accident" on Andrea's actions.

Andrea and I were friends from about 10 years of age. We grew up together. I felt like she was more of a sister than just a friend. The day I got the news that she was dead was a day that changed me forever. So many lives were changed that day. Her family, her children, her friends, her colleagues.

She was the most caring, sincere, tolerant and beautiful human being I knew. And she was taken from us far too early. At just 29 she left behind 2 young boys....
It has been almost 9 years now but the pain is still there. I miss her. I miss her so much. My anger is not as acute as it was and my memories of her are all very fond and happy. But there is an underlying sadness still. Some days I still cannot believe it. She is really gone.

These drivers knowingly sit behind the wheel and endanger those around them....selfish just doesn't describe what they are.
The loved ones we have lost can never be returned, but we can turn this around and make something good of it.

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From: Wife Kimberley Hardcastle

In Loving memory of my Husband Andy Hardcastle who lived 44yrs 2 mths and 1 day before he was Killed by a Careless Driver. I believe the crime should have been classed as Vehicular Manslaughter...it suits the crime done. I do not believe these to be "accidents" as the man who killed my Husband did NOT accidentally pull out to pass a sander; he Purposely pulled out to pass a sander. What he Neglected to do was LOOK to see if it was SAFE for him to do so Before pulling out. This man claims he never saw my Husband's car coming toward him, a Burgundy Bonneville which has its headlights automatically on (running lights) and the road he attempted to pass on has a very clear, long view of on-coming cars, (Andy and I have driven on that stretch of road many, many times).

As this man attempted to pass, he claims that slush was sprayed onto his windshield as he drove by the sander and that is when my Husband hit him? in the lane my Husband was legally driving, my Andy actually tried to avoid the collision, but this man sideswiped my Andy, who's car went into a tailspin and Andy hit a gravel truck Head On. After 3hrs of Pain and Suffering (and no one informing Me his Wife) he was air lifted to Sunnybrook Hospital and I was informed he died on route. My children and I were also Not informed of the changed court date in which this man plead Guilty of his careless driving and got his wee slap on wrist. A loss of license for 2wks and $1000. fine.
A disgrace.

Our 3 children lost their Dad FOREVER and I lost my Husband of 22yrs, best friend of 26yrs, his companionship, his love and support FOREVER. I also lost his income as kids and I were fully dependant on his income. I was a stay-at-home mom for 18yrs of our 22yr marriage until after he was let go from Nortel (after 19yrs there) I was forced into the work world and to the food bank to help him financially support our family. I worked a part time job, then a temp job, which I was laid off from for 3mths before Andy was KILLED. I am now, still fighting for my/our losses. I’m broke, broken and full of rage at the injustice our Country had provided for the Killer. I am still in shock that it is going to be 4yrs since this Horrid day coming up soon...march 20 our eldest son will turn 24yrs, March 22, will be my birthday and March 24 will be 4years since my Andy was taken from us.
4 years that this man has been able to continue to enjoy his wife and 2 children. To spend every holiday with his family...to enjoy Easter together, when 4yrs ago this coming Easter I was making arrangements for Andy’s Funeral. We need justice to be served!!
I am so tired of being treated like I have committed the crime, all the assessments, all the picking and prying into my entire life with my Andy, having to prove my loss, my kids having to prove the loss of their Father. This is all WRONG and Unjust, the man who Killed my Andy should be the one having to answer all these questions, Not the Innocent Victims of His Actions.

I pray I can wake up one morning without tears, with a desire to get out of bed and enjoy what is left of my life...however, since that Morning on March 24, 2005 my world has been nothing but a Horrid Nightmare that never seems to end...how long must I go on like this before Justice is Served?

ahhhh, I could go on and on and on as my days are filled with questions unanswered and filled with severe grief missing my Andy, wishing he was here to help the kids and I through this, to be able to speak up and tell his side of the story, the fear he faced as the Jetta appeared from behind the sander coming right toward him, the fear as his car spun into the Gravel Truck, the pain and suffering from his injuries...before he was overcome by them. I spend my days in and out of grief and my tears flow often.
I sure hope Changes are made and SOON.
 

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From: Daughter Sarah Enright

My father, Thomas Enright, was killed in a car accident October 25, 2007 when the driver of a van driving in the opposite direction veered across the centre line and into my father's path. The driver was charged only with careless driving. After numerous painful court dates, the careless driving charge was dropped and the accident was summed up as "a momentary lapse of judgement".

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From: Mother Barb Sawyer

My son,Elijah Tupling, was killed on Sept.21/08, while he and his partner were driving on the 401 and merging and slowing for construction ( no actual construction was occuring on this date, Sunday. A transport truck came up at 100 km and hit the car my son was driving. The car within 60 seconds burst into flames. If it wasn't for the wonderful people who stopped and pulled both Elijah and Robyn from the car , my son and his girlfriend would have perished in the infernal. Heart rendering... Elijah suffered fatal injuries from the impact of the collision. The driver of the transport truck was charged with careless driving. I inquired of the investigating officer after the collision, if the charges would be up-graded to another charge because of the death of my son. She said that the investigation at that time only warranted "careless driving". I am so angry that this truck driver who is driving a "killing machine" can only be charged with careless driving and the possibility of the charge being reduced if he appears in the Provincial Offences Office and the Prosecutor deems so.
I feel that there are so many wrongs. The fact that this driver was only charged with careless driving when there was a death and pain and sorrow for the other person, Robyn, in the vehicle as well as the families to deal with a sudden and unexpected death. The Ministry of Transportation should also, be accountable for knowingly putting hazards on the 400 series highways.

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From: Daughter Aileen Cabanilla

I lost my Mom and my unborn child to a reckless driver. As of this time I am still recuperating from the injuries that I incurred in the accident. Yesterday I met with the police officers and the Assistant to the Crown who informed me of how grave they thought the case was. It was ironic, for the sentence consisted only of a fine and 90-day PROBATION whereby the reckless driver is still allowed to drive to work. This is disgusting and very appalling.

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From: Sister Tina Falzetta

It started out as a happy day, Mom's birthday Feb.12,2008. Everyone woke early taking turns going into her room
giving her hugs and kisses and wishing her a happy birthday. For some reason I stood in the hall watching my younger
brother leaving her room. He looked at me and smiled........I smiled back.

We all headed off to work, I was thinking about cake, ice cream, flowers and balloons.
It was only around 11a.m. at that time my dad stopped in to tell me my brother had been in an accident.
I had no idea what to think but this sick feeling came over me. I decided to leave work and try to find out what
happened. I kept calling the hospitals police and other family members, like my sister Lisa already heading out
from Hamilton my brothers from Toronto and both my little brothers from the area. Since leaving work tears of
fear came over me. All I kept saying to myself is your ok Toad hold on we're coming. Not getting any answers
I find myself driving to the scene of the accident. At this time I have my 10 year old daughter with me, we had
pillows and stuff with us for the long drive to Kingston Hospital.

When I arrive at the scene its was hard to make out his truck, the police are telling me to go home. I keep asking
if he's ok screaming and crying. They tell me he's not and that he's gone and I can't understand cause shock
is starting to take over. As I m looking at his truck with his body still in it, I try to run to him. The police stop
me.....OH GOD WHY!!!!!!! PLEASE GIVE HIM BACK!!!!!!! Shock has now set it, I m driving not knowing where I
am. Family is calling me telling me to come home, I can't even make out voices.....At this point I just want
to drive off the road before my family confirms he is really gone. I think the hardest part was facing my family
when I did get home. But I could hear screaming as I opened the door. The screaming and crying went on for
weeks. Its funny that when you'd sleep it was reality and when you woke up it was the nightmare. Screams
were heard all over the house and the crying went on. I can't remember a day I haven't cried in the last 11
months..

 what if.....why.....if only.....why....tears........
A few weeks back the police came to my house to tell us that the person who killed my brother was getting
a careless. The next week in court he was charged and sentence to a one thousand dollar fine he can't drive
for a year and that's it. Well we all stood up and told the judge off... Shame on justice......Shame on anyone
that thinks that's fair to families who have lost loved ones. So its taken them a year to rip our hearts out
kick them around and discard them...Nice......

Who Toad Was

Born November 3rd. 1985

Toad was a beautiful baby, our family shared so many wonderful times together.
He was the sparkle in our eyes. Toad had a fantastic childhood. It was the foundation
that would make him the great man he'd become in life. He had so many close friends that shared his zest.
I wish my words could describe how he'd light up a room with his presence. He made us laugh so much
by just being him. He always told us how he never wanted to grow up because he was having so much fun.
In later years he became an intelligent hard working handsome man, a lady's man but first most a family man.
But boy did the girls love him, he was a true romantic.
You know the biggest reward in life is being so proud of someone as special as him.
He always looked out for the underdog, when family was around you'd see him playing with
the little kids just trying to be one of them.
Toad had so much to live for, so much going for him.
It was always all about him, and he knew it and ate it up.
He loved life so so very much, he wasn't done but robbed of so many more special years.

This was a very hard for me to share, but my whole family has the horror of that day....
My poor parents that I can't take the pain away from....
all his many brothers and sisters that cry for him everyday......
nieces and nephews old and young that are lost without him......

But most of all his little brother Joshua......
the reason we go on........
he's been our hero and rock.....

All My Love Tina

With Much Tears The Falzetta Family

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From: Children Tammy, Tanya and Sonny

Our father Dave 56 of Toronto, on May14, 2004 was walking across the street very late at night around the corner from his home and stumbled on the street and fell and before he could get up was struck by a taxi cab driver and dragged for 25-30 feet. An undercover police officer just prior to dad being struck had seen my dad and was parking his car to go help my father but ultimately it was too late. When the officer went to the cab driver (who also coincidentally had his car in reverse?) he immediately replied I didn’t do it, even though my father was under his vehicle! Our father was immediately rushed to Sunnybrook for brain surgery and was critical for the next 48 hrs. When I got the call from my brother Sonny I just could not believe it and was in shock. It’s something you can never imagine! Our dad survived the surgery but was in a coma for 10 days and we were told that he had catastrophic brain injury and that he would need 24hr care for the rest of his life! The next few months he stayed at Sunnybrook in and out of intensive care and after a month a tracheotomy was put in (as he wasn’t strong enough to cough up his secretions) and for over a year we could not communicate with him. Throughout these few months dad became totally paralyzed and therefore had to be admitted to a chronic care facility for over a year. Our dad passed away July 23, 2005 at the age of 57. Our family has gone through unbelievable pain and trauma and has lost the rock of our family! Everyone who knew him or worked with him loved him and his smile and will always remember his big blue eyes. Our family cannot bear the pain and it still breaks our heart everyday without him!

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From: Friend Cynn Seguin

(SORRY IM FRENCH)
what happened with kevin frett, he was at la cite collegiale, studying to be a police. first year. On October 21, 2008... Kevin was working out at the gym, and he was just leaving, he was walking on his way home, on montrealroad. And a man hit him, while he was crossing the street, but it was kevin's turn the car was suppose to stop. After he got hit, his body landed about 5meters away from the car. Some of his friends saw everything. He was in a TERRIBLE shape. They called the ambulance. Kevin was in a coma for about 10days. The doctors said that there was brain damage, and they didnt know if kevin would be able to make it! Kevin died on October 31 2008, at the age of 19years old. He was taking away from his family and friends.

We all miss him so much, its devastating! Kevin have a twin sister name Kim!
His family, miss him, we miss him! He was an incredible young man! Always up for some fun. Always smiling. He had 3 bestfriends, Mathieu. Hugue and Sebastien.

If anyone if interested on knowing more about Kevin, theres this group on facebook dedicated to him

On Pense A Toi Kevin

Miss You Buddy, we all do!!
love you so much,
we will always remember you

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From: Mother Susan Eyre

On July 30th, 2006, our youngest son Tom, who was 10 years old, was hit by a speeding truck driven by a 19 year old. Although on a quiet, straight country road, in perfect driving conditions, the driver claims he never saw Tom, who was cycling with his older brother. This was because he was driving too fast and too close to his friends in a vehicle ahead of him. Tom was killed, and no charges were ever brought. Not even dangerous driving. Not even a one dollar fine. They got their vehicles back straight away and carried on with their lives.
The driver is the son of two local firefighters, and very well known to the local OPP. Go figure. The whole family still feels helpless and bitter over the way nothing was done. What message is this giving other young drivers? I guess it's OK to kill a kid, because nothing gets done about it.

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From: Mother Moneca Melan

Our daughter Melissa and her friend Levi both lost their lives on September 7 2006. They were both passengers in the car. The driver had been issued his license only 10 days before he lost control of his vehicle left the divided highway, rolled the vehicle, apparently as many as 6 times. Melissa died instantly; Levi was thrown from the vehicle and died a few hours later in hospital.

Police experts determined the car was traveling at least 149 K when he lost control in a 100K zone. He was charged with 2 counts of dangerous driving causing death, and was acquitted in November 2007; the judge stating that speed alone cannot be considered dangerous driving, and everyone speeds.

We were to find out that this young driver had been racing cars for 10 years! He claims that he was attempting to pass another vehicle in the right hand lane and that is why he was traveling at that speed. The circumstances however reveal that this is nothing more than the convenient excuse he used to get off.

The verdict was appealed and denied as the Crown was unable to show that the judge made an error in law, which is the only reason a Crown appeal can be made on.
Melissa was just 15, 3 months away from her 16th birthday. There are not words to describe the hole in my life without Melissa. Every moment of every day I ache for her. She was not here for her 16th birthday, her graduation, and very recently her 18th birthday, not to mention the Christmas’, the birthdays, the births and weddings, and most of all – each and every day.

Our Life since the car accident that killed Melissa

September 7, 2006 at about 8:00 pm, Constable O’Neill came to my door, and uttered the horrifying words, I’m sorry to inform you that your daughter Melissa was killed tonight in a car crash’. Those words have echoed through my mind and body, have been my unceasing reality.
I am here to tell you how her death has impacted my life.
How does a person do that? How does a mother find the words to describe that? Are there even words capable of expressing it? Are there ears who can really hear it?

When Melissa was killed, my world split apart and I fell into the abyss, I am still falling. There is no joy, there is no happiness, and there is no bottom to this pit. There is only unceasing agony, pain and sorrow; it covers everything in grey.

To measure my loss you must understand who she was in life. To know Her was to Love Her. She was the light of morning – full of spirit, promise and possibility. She was the noon day Sun – glowing and brimming with life and love and passion. She was the Sunset; beautiful, graceful, and awe inspiring. No one lived, loved or deserved life more than Melissa.

Melissa was our youngest daughter, who came to us as a miracle and to whom I was completely devoted. She was beautiful, talented, happy, energetic, loving, confidant and had more potential than can possibly be measured. We all loved her with all our hearts and souls. Her friends and family, even her pets, will never be the same without her; she touched the hearts of all she ever met. As I stand here and say these words they are not just words to me, they are the truth, they are reality.

Melissa loved life more than any other person I have ever met. Every day she showed me what it was like to really embrace life. She could laugh louder, run faster, climb higher than anybody else. Her passion was insatiable, her magnetic personality was irresistible. If there was a conflict, it was usually Melissa who would smooth things over so everyone was happy. No one could stay angry at her, she would just tilt her head and smile and everything would be OK. She had wisdom much beyond her years. Her friends tell me that since she has been gone nothing is the same for them either.

I believe the quality of a person’s life is not measured by what you own, but rather by the joys you hold in your hearts. My heart is broken, and I am no longer capable of holding joy. The moments in my life that have given me joy in the past – my memories – are now covered with the grey of loss. When I try to recall my happy memories of Melissa and our family when we were all together, I find them tainted with the pain of this reality, that Melissa is no more, that she cannot share these memories with us, and that we will never be the same again. The memories and stories I have shared about Melissa that have always been a source of great pride, joy and laughter now bring tears, sadness, and a quality of despair that has no name.

The moments in my life that should now contribute to my joy are forever tainted. The graduations she will not attend, the weddings she will be absent from, the birthdays, the Christmases, the Sunday dinners. All covered with the grey of sadness, all diminished by her absence. When our family is together, she is absent and that absence is so overwhelmingly painful it drains my heart each time. Her senseless death has stolen even the potential for Joy from my life.

Each morning I wake to the thought – Melissa is dead. I start each day filled with this overwhelming pain. It robs me of everything. I’m on anti-depressants that do not help; I spend my days moving through ‘life’ without life. It has occurred to me that this is what is meant by the term zombie. I surround myself and my home with pictures of her, items that remind me of her but that will never be her. I will never again look into those amazing blue eyes so full of life, never touch her hand, or brush her hair. I will never again share a laugh, or shed a tear with her; never watch her play rugby or volleyball, never see her flash by me on her snowboard, never take her for ice cream or shopping, never sit snuggled together on the couch watching a movie. We will never again sing a song together, or have our long talks. I will never see her graduate from high school, never hold her babies; never see her achieve her dreams; never again hold her in my arms. I will never again be able to tell her ‘good-night Melissa I love you’. Forever is a long, long time.

I can barely leave the house. Everything reminds me of her absence. Every playground, soccer field, every song on the radio, every pretty dress in a store window screams at me that she has been stolen away, reminds me that I cannot share another moment with her.
The activities in my life that before Melissa was killed gave me great pleasure – gardening, sewing, skiing, camping, golfing, horseback riding (with Melissa), cooking – all of these things carry such vivid reminders of Melissa that I can barely bring myself to do them, and they have forever lost their appeal. Now, they serve only to remind me of her absence.

I am forced to try and make sense of this senseless loss. She was stolen away from us so violently, so pointlessly, so recklessly. I have nightmares about her last moments so terrifying and horrible, night after night. I search for her in my dreams, but never find her. There is no rest from this, there is no end to it; there is no escape. Melissa’s life was stolen. My life was stolen. I cannot be consoled. There is no ‘getting over it’ or ‘moving past it’. It is an unceasing debilitating agony. Time does not heal this wound; it simply ticks away, piling up the days and hours since I last saw her. I feel estranged from everything and everyone; as if I am not really there, and this I think is true for all intents and purposes - since I feel as if I died with Melissa.

For those of you with ears to hear, let you hear.

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From: Girlfriend Kellie Thompson

I just lost my boyfriend 7 months ago who was a firefighter from a careless driver. She went to pass the car in front of her, came into our lane, and hit us head on. Robert died at the scene and I was in the hospital for a month with severe injuries that I’m still dealing with. I definitely support this and the laws should be a lot harder. It’s like I have a life sentence, will never see my boyfriend again and the girl that hit us probably wont get any time in jail!

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From: Son and Daughter Craig and Mary Brady

On November 16th 2008, our Dad was killed by an 82 yr old man that ran a stop sign on a country road. He was only 65 years old and was excited to begin his new life with his companion after being widowed 5 yrs ago. She luckily survived but he was not that fortunate as the driver ran into his driver side door. This man has been charged w/careless driving...should have been causing death but this charge does not exist!! We fully support your proposed change to this law! Sincerely, Craig & Mary Brady

From: Daughter Gayle Brady-Erskine

My father was killed by an 82 year old man who ran a stop sign. He has been charged with careless driving. My family will never recover from this loss. My father was 65; had found love again after my mother's tragic death from lung cancer. He was my hero - he helped raise my four year old son with me and was the light of his life. My son has been robbed of this wonderful, caring, and incredible man and my brother and I robbed of the most amazing father anyone could have. It is a senseless loss that will forever change our lives. People need to be held accountable for these deaths.

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From: Brother Robert Bartolini

My sister Shannon was killed on October 4, 2008 at the young age of 31. Shannon and her fiancé Josh were heading for a camping weekend near Guelph when the tragedy occurred. While they were stopped to make a left turn into the campground, their vehicle was struck by a careless driver and they were pushed into oncoming traffic. My sister was killed instantly and Josh was airlifted to Hamilton with critical injuries. Josh is coming along well in his recovery however, his life will never be the same. This accident as well as many others are preventable if drivers would pay more attention to driving rather than sightseeing or talking on the phone.

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From: Joanne's sister Louise Grilli

My sister was killed in September 2006 by a repeat careless driving offender with a horrendous driving record. He was once again charged with Careless Driving because under the current law this is the maximum charge under the Ministry of Transport. The next level of infraction falls under the criminal code. The risk, is having to prove that these individuals "intended" to drive in a reckless fashion to kill someone. What a joke! You could not be more right. The Careless Driving umbrella needs to be more clearly defined with the inclusion of graduated levels of severity. There is a huge difference between bumping someone’s fender because you followed to closely versus driving the wrong way on a one way overpass, colliding with on coming traffic resulting in the death of 2 dearly loved people. We are often not aware of the inadequacies of current laws until we are faced with a tragic situation. Kudos to you for doing something proactive and giving those of us who have been affected by this Careless Driving tragedy, a chance to make a difference. Your father is very proud of you. Our story resulted in a plea of guilty under the Criminal Code of Dangerous Driving Causing Death x 2. We were forced to negotiate on the sentence to get this plea of guilt. However, our family sleeps at night knowing he is now branded with a criminal record with more long lasting consequences. My sister is proud of us also.

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From: Son Darryl Ryan Bowles

On March 1, 2008, my wife Luisa received a knock on the door from the police asking for the family of Donald Michael Bowles, the police then informed her that Donald Bowles was killed in a car accident. Immediately she slammed the door on the police in complete shock and devastation and not able to deal with the truth. After pacing the house for a few moments, she reluctantly opened the door again and allowed the police officer to come inside. I was out at the local gym with my Dad’s car when my wife heard the news, the reason I had my Dad’s car is he left it in my driveway for me, as he taken my car out to fill up the gas tank and check my motor, something he did regularly just to help me out. But Dad never returned, he was killed in my car 3 minutes away from my home by someone charged with careless driving. When I returned from the gym and pulled into the driveway, I had a feeling something was not right as my car was not back in the driveway meaning my Dad had not yet returned. The police at that point had already left to look for me at the gym.

The minute I opened the door to my house will haunt me for the rest of my life. My wife and my sister in law were both crying and had a complete look of devastation I had never seen before, and as my wife slowly approached me, I saw an absolute horror in her eyes that I will never forget. At that point, I knew something really bad had happened. My heart began to pace extremely fast. My wife said to me while crying “Daryl you have to be strong with what I am about to tell you” (She knew how close my Dad and I were) She then said something I never forget for as long as I live and something that will haunt me forever “Your Dad was killed in a car accident” At that point my heart stopped. What happened was a part of me died instantly at that very moment, a part of me that will never return, a part of me that is gone forever with my Dad. He was a part of me, he lived in me, he was me. All I remember from that point on, is slumping to the ground as I became instantly weak and started to cry. The only real way to explain it is, ask yourself if the police knocked on your door and gave you this news what would you do? The emotions that run through your body simultaneously are devastation, heart-breaking pain, rage and anger, denial and shock, emptiness, weakness, light-headedness, fear. I could go on and on. Your life takes a traumatic turn in an instant.

Our Dad was the model of what every person and Dad should be like. He was only 65, very healthy, at least 20 more years to live, starting to enjoy retirement. We all work hard every day looking forward to enjoying retired life, not to retire and then be killed in a car accident. My Dad probably did not miss more than 3 days of work over his 35 years at Stelco, thinking it would all pay off one day and that when he retired he could enjoy himself. If only he knew what was going to happen. On that tragic day my life, my sister’s life, my wife’s life, my mothers life changed forever, not to mention my Dad’s 4 grandchildren who will grow up without a grandfather and all of the other family (sister, brother and nieces) and friends my Dad had. We were so close with my Dad, as he was a loving, caring, hard-working, kind, devoted father who put his children, family and friends before himself. He did everything for his family and friends and as long as his children were happy he was happy. His 4 grandchildren will never be the same as he played a huge role in their life. He cared for them while we worked, babysat them, played with them, drove them and picked them up from school, loved them. When my Dad walked into the room, no one else mattered to his grandchildren. All you would hear in the house was the kids running to the front door screaming “Grampie Grampie Grampie” and then receiving a huge bear hug from my Dad. Never again. My kids will never experience this joy again. Our kids were robbed of a grandfather, we were robbed of a Dad, and the world was robbed of a tremendous friend.

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