5 days ago
Family of woman allegedly hit by car in Brossard speaks out: ‘How could anyone do this?'
Family of Caroline Derome seeks answers after she was allegedly run over by a stranger while living in a tent behind a Brossard car dealership.
The family of Caroline Derome says they're still trying to understand how she ended up in a hospital bed — and why she was allegedly targeted by a complete stranger.
Derome, 44, was seriously injured Tuesday after police say she was deliberately hit by a driver while staying in a tent with a friend behind a car dealership on Allard Street in Brossard.
Her brother, David Derome, said he was overwhelmed with disbelief and anger when he got the call.
'I believed her when she told me it wasn't an accident,' he said. 'But I couldn't wrap my head around what kind of person would do something like that.'
Longueuil police arrested 46-year-old Luigi Fragomele at the scene. He's now facing five charges, including assault with a weapon, dangerous driving, and hit-and-run.
He appeared in court on Wednesday and Thursday, but the motive behind the incident remains unclear.
Derome is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery on her leg.
Her brother says the events that led to her living in a tent weren't linear but built up over time — the result of several setbacks she tried and continues to try hard to overcome.
'She stayed with a friend for a little while,' he explained. 'Then with some family. But eventually she ended up going to stay outside when the weather got nice.'
Caroline had lost her apartment after separating from her ex-partner. Financial pressure, a lack of affordable housing, and an addiction to pain medication all played a role, he said.
But she was working to rebuild.
'She went to a [detox] centre for about a month,' he said. 'And she hasn't touched anything since.'
David describes her as smart, lively, and deeply generous — the kind of person who always made time for others, especially her children.
'She's incredibly bright, has a huge heart, and she's a great mom,' he said. 'But despite everything she was doing to try and move forward, she still fell through the cracks.'
Tuesday's incident has left community advocates deeply concerned.
Lucie Latulippe, executive director of Abri de la Rive-Sud, a South Shore organization that helps people in crisis, said the growing visibility of unhoused people can provoke strong emotions for some.
'I understand that for some people, seeing more and more unhoused individuals can create a sense of insecurity, frustration, even anger,' she said. 'But we have to remind ourselves: they're human beings who deserve compassion and dignity.'
Advocates say violence against unhoused people isn't uncommon — and often goes unnoticed.
David Chapman, executive director of Resilience Montreal, said a lack of safety is part of daily life for people who sleep outdoors.
He added that government inaction and opposition to shelters and services — often referred to as 'Not In My Backyard' or NIMBY attitudes — are compounding the problem.
'There's not enough housing for unhoused people,' Chapman said. 'Not enough shelter space, not enough transitional housing or mental health support. And too often, communities don't want those resources near them.'
Caroline's family says they don't want her story to be reduced to a headline. They say she's more than what happened to her — and they hope this is a turning point.
They want justice, but just as urgently, they want her to be given the time, support, and chance to keep rebuilding the life she was already fighting to get back.
