Cape Breton man who lost four relatives in horrifying crash in Quebec speaks out against drunk driving
David Fletcher was looking through pictures of family members Wednesday afternoon.
Four of them were killed in a motor vehicle collision in Quebec by an alleged drunk driver.
"This guy came out of nowhere over the hill doing about 150 right into the back of them, no breaks applied, nothing. Police figured the impact was about 140," says Fletcher.
In that moment, Fletcher says his life changed forever. His father, sister, niece and nephew were all in the vehicle -- all of them killed as a result.
"I was on the floor. I couldn't believe it. I said four of them, really. Four of them at once, gone," added Fletcher.
The driver, 43-year-old Éric Légaré, from Beauport, Quebec was arrested for driving while impaired by alcohol and is facing a dozen charges, including impaired driving causing death.
"I'm in and out of phases. I go to call my sister and I can't, because she's not there," says Fletcher.
According to family, 68 year-old Jim Fletcher, who was in Quebec at the time visiting, was a member of the Highlanders Pipe Band, and was musically gifted.
Forty-four-year-old Shellie Fletcher-Lemieux was the mother of 14-year-old Jackson Fortin, who loved football, and 10-year-old Emma Lemieux, who is seen here playing the piano.
Memories are now all David Fletcher has left.
"It's only the price of two beers to get a cab home or get a friend to come and pick you up. We learned the hard way. Don't drink and drive," says Fletcher
A memorial service will be held in Glace Bay on Thursday to pay tribute to four innocent lives that were taken too soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.