‘Reeling': Family of three children killed in Hwy. 401 crash releases statement, plans funeral
Relatives of the three siblings who died after a 19-year-old man allegedly driving drunk lost control on a Highway 401 off-ramp and crashed into their car are 'still reeling' from the loss, the Laviña-Galve family says.
'Although we remain utterly devastated, we are now in the process of planning the funeral for our three dear children, which is something no parent should ever have to endure,' the family said in a statement through their lawyer Friday.
The deaths of 15-year-old Ramone Jaiden Laviña, 13-year-old Jace Evan Laviña and six-year-old Mya Ava Laviña are an 'unimaginable tragedy,' the family said, adding they are grateful to the first responders, hospital staff and community members who stepped in.
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Gta
'Those kids were her world': Three children killed in Highway 401 crash involving allegedly impaired driver
A long-time family friend confirmed the identity of the family after getting a call from the children's father with the shocking news.
Gta
'Those kids were her world': Three children killed in Highway 401 crash involving allegedly impaired driver
A long-time family friend confirmed the identity of the family after getting a call from the children's father with the shocking news.
It happened shortly after midnight Sunday, May 18 when driver Ethan Lehouillier allegedly lost control on a Highway 401 off-ramp and crashed into the Chrysler Pacifica carrying the family, Toronto police said.
Lehouillier has been charged with three counts of impaired operation causing death, impaired operation causing bodily harm, dangerous driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
The deaths of the three Laviña children are an 'unimaginable tragedy,' the family said.
Laviña-Galve family
The father, who was not in the car, told a family friend that only one of his four children, age 10, survived. The child suffered a broken arm, broken collarbone and numerous cuts and bruises to his face, the family friend previously said. The children's mother was rushed to Sunnybrook Hospital following the crash, suffering several broken ribs and a severe concussion, along with other injuries.
A publication ban protecting the identities of the three siblings who died on May 18 was lifted Thursday, Toronto lawyer Samarra D'Souza said.
The family added they are aware that the driver is facing impaired driving charges but said they cannot comment further while the case is before the court.
A GoFundMe set up by a family friend in the wake of the crash has raised more than $234,000 for the family as of Friday.
The children's funeral will be held on June 14 in Scarborough.
With files from Jason Miller, Anastasia Blosser and Joyce Li
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