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
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.