Darius Ferris obtained a Fb photograph of a crushed SUV and instantly suspected it concerned his car and kin. A member of Constance Lake First Nation, Ferris defined that he and his spouse attended a funeral on January 31 in Aroland First Nation alongside his spouse’s brother, sister, and her associate. Relatively than driving dwelling, Ferris and his spouse headed to Thunder Bay and loaned their SUV to the kin.
“We grew more and more anxious hour by hour,” Ferris recounted. “We had no phrase from them.” The next morning, Thunder Bay Police Service officers delivered devastating information at their resort: all three relations had perished.
The crash occurred on Freeway 11 close to Freeway 631, west of Hearst, round 6 p.m. on January 31. It concerned a passenger car and a industrial truck, in keeping with Ontario Provincial Police in James Bay. Authorities closed the freeway for 22 hours.
Victims Recognized
Recognized victims embrace Darrell (Jackboy) Taylor, 57; his sister Raeanne Wesley, 36; and Wesley’s associate Aaron Paypompee, 37. Taylor and Wesley hailed from Constance Lake First Nation, whereas Paypompee belonged to Whitefish Bay First Nation. All three have been pronounced lifeless on the scene.
“My brother-in-law was probably the most beloved man in the neighborhood,” Ferris mentioned of Taylor. “He cherished the bush life, excelling as a hunter, trapper, and fisher, and mentored my youngest son.” Ferris added, “He is leaving a legacy for my son, who misses him deeply.”
Wesley and Paypompee had lately completed an dependancy remedy program and anticipated rebuilding their lives collectively, Ferris famous.
Memorial Vigil at Crash Website
Earlier this week, police blocked site visitors on the web site, permitting Ferris and his spouse to put flowers and maintain a quick vigil. They plan to erect three crosses there in spring.
Ongoing Investigation and Security Alarms
The investigation continues, with no expenses filed but. “Investigations of this nature are advanced and may take months,” said Sgt. Martin Thibault of OPP North East Area.
Ferris highlighted Freeway 11 and 11-17 security fears. “Residents and vacationers right here fear continuously,” he mentioned. “My spouse and I by no means imagined this placing our household. Now we grasp the profound impression of preventable accidents.”
This incident marks the fifth truck-involved crash within the area over 5 days. Two days prior, 28-year-old Cheyenne Vaillant died when her automobile struck a transport truck on Freeway 11-17 close to Sistonens Corners. A procession honors her this Saturday from Thunder Metropolis Speedway to Royal Canadian Legion Department 225 in Kakabeka Falls.
Requires Motion
Mushkegowuk–James Bay MPP Man Bourgouin urged change: “My ideas are with the households. Every fatality leaves communities grieving. Sufficient is sufficient—what number of extra lives earlier than the federal government acts for the north?”
The Ministry of Transportation prolonged condolences: “Our authorities invests practically $600 million in northern highways, with over $350 million enhancing security on Highways 11, 17, and the 11/17 hall. OPP investigations proceed.”
Ferris calls for higher truck driver coaching, notably for newcomers unaccustomed to northern roads, and controls on rising industrial site visitors from tasks like Ring of Hearth mining and a nuclear waste repository. “Fixing bridges or potholes will not suffice,” he insisted. “Prioritize freeway security now.”
