Etobicoke Community Mourns Loss of Three Siblings in Suspected Impaired Driving Crash
The Etobicoke community is in mourning following the tragic deaths of three siblings in a collision suspected to involve impaired driving. A memorial mass held Thursday morning brought together family, friends, and members of the Canadian Martyrs Catholic School, where the children were students, to remember their lives.
A Community United in Grief
The memorial service, held at the church adjacent to the Canadian Martyrs Catholic School, provided a space for collective grieving and remembrance. Jenelle Galve, the aunt of the children, described the service as lovely,
emphasizing that those kids deserved to have a beautiful service.
Galve expressed gratitude to the school staff for organizing the mass, highlighting the community’s solidarity in the face of tragedy. We all came as a collective as we believe that these kids … they deserve justice, and us coming together as a community shows that we are strong enough to deal with what comes next,
she stated, her voice filled with emotion.
Did you know? According to the National highway Traffic Safety Governance (NHTSA),impaired driving is a important factor in fatal car crashes. Efforts to combat impaired driving include stricter laws, public awareness campaigns, and advanced vehicle safety technologies.
Remembering the Lives Lost
Due to a court-ordered publication ban,the three children-a 15-year-old boy,his 13-year-old brother,and their 6-year-old sister-cannot be identified. Though, their aunt shared cherished memories, painting a vivid picture of their personalities and passions.
- The youngest, the 6-year-old girl, was remembered for her infectious joy and love of cartwheels during recess,
mak[ing] all the kids happy.
- The 13-year-old boy was described as
very competitive
in basketball, showcasing his dedication and drive. - The eldest, the 15-year-old, was known as a leader, admired for his maturity and guidance.
The Aftermath of the Collision
The collision occurred early Sunday morning as the family,including the children’s mother and her 40-year-old boyfriend,were returning from watching fireworks in Milton. Their vehicle was struck by a Dodge Caravan allegedly driven by a 19-year-old man traveling at a high rate of speed while exiting Highway 401 on Renforth Drive.
Police reported that the Dodge Caravan lost control and collided with the family’s Chrysler Pacifica, which was stopped at a red light. The 19-year-old driver from Georgetown has been arrested and faces a dozen offenses, including impaired driving and dangerous driving.
Pro Tip: If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, contact local law enforcement immediately. Provide as much detail as possible, including the vehicle’s make, model, color, and license plate number, and also the direction of travel.
Healing and Justice
Galve emphasized that the support the family has received is crucial to their healing process. We are grieving. We’re all grieving together for the loss of the children. Nothing can explain the loss that we have,
she said.
The children’s mother and their 10-year-old sibling remain hospitalized, recovering from their injuries. The community’s thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this arduous time.
It’s just so sad … to lose three of your children at one time. Very sad.
Tammi upshaw,retired teacher who knew the 15-year-old boy
Near the scene of the collision,a growing memorial of flowers serves as a testament to the community’s collective grief and remembrance.
