Funeral held for 3 children killed in alleged impaired driving crash
The Laviña-Galve family held a joint funeral in Scarborough on Saturday for three children killed last month in an alleged impaired driving crash on Highway 401.
15-year-old Ramone, 13-year-old Jace and six-year-old Mya — along with their mother, another sibling, and a family friend — were inside a van parked at a red light just after midnight in Etobicoke on May 18, when a man exiting Highway 401 lost control of his vehicle, crossed a raised median and crashed into them.
People attending the service were asked to wear bright colours "in honour of the joy, light and love our children brought into our lives," according to an obituary posted online.
Kristin Cruz, who said she was a friend of the children's mother, attended the funeral Saturday. She said they had grown apart in recent years but were close in childhood.
"I've been hearing stories that they're a very happy family … They're good kids," she said.
Robinhensman Robinet, who said he was a colleague of the children's mother, said the service was heartbreaking.
He said he was "broken" when he heard about the devastating crash.
"I couldn't sleep in the night. I myself have three children … I felt like these are my children," he said.
The online obituary described the three children as treasured and beloved.
Ramone was the "protective big brother, watching out for his siblings with care and compassion," it read.
He enjoyed playing sports, including basketball and volleyball, and working out with his father.
Jace was "his mom's helper, always lending a hand with his younger siblings," the obituary said. He also enjoyed playing basketball and served on his student council.
Their sister, Mya, was an "intelligent ray of sunshine" who enjoyed collecting purses, dancing and singing, the obituary read.
"She loved being surrounded by her 3 older brothers and was adored by them in turn," it read.
The children are survived by their parents, their brother and a large extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and "friends that are like family," the obituary read.
A GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family through its loss has raised nearly $250,000 as of Saturday.
Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ont., was arrested at the scene of the crash and now faces 12 charges, including three counts of impaired driving causing death. None of the charges have been tested in court.
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