On April 6, 2018, many lives were shattered, so much heartbreak and devastation in the small town of Humboldt, Saskatchewan. The Humboldt Broncos were on their way to a playoff game when their bus was struck by a tractor trailer in Saskatchewan, Canada. The trailer of the truck lay nearby in a shattered mess, with bags of its peat moss cargo scattered all around. 16 people were killed and 13 seriously injured.
Feelings of Such Loss & Devastation
I remember seeing the coverage on the news the next day and I was not only devastated but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. As a survivor of a horrific crash, I found myself reflecting on each of the hockey players that survived and what they were about to be faced with not only with their recovery but especially with the loss of their fellow players. My heart broke for each and every one of them and their families.
Shortly after the crash, people began leaving their hockey sticks out on their front porches as tributes to the victims. The tribute, known by the social media hashtag #PutYourSticksOut, was started after a broadcaster received a text message from a friend urging people to leave their hockey sticks out, stating “the boys might need them … wherever they are.” A Nation in mourning including myself came together to pay tribute to the lives that were so tragically lost.
On April 12, 2018, another tribute transformed. Across the country, people showed up to work and school decked out in sports jerseys as part of Jersey Day, inspired by a group of British Columbia hockey moms, to send a message of support for the families who lost loved ones in the Humboldt crash.
As condolences, tributes, and messages of love continued to pour in for victims of the Humboldt Bus Crash, I remember reading that Canadians took to the internet to share their support for the anonymous driver of the semi-truck. One message was “You survived. You will need help to overcome this tragic incident that is also taking a significant toll on you and your family’s wellbeing.” That struck a cord with me. A Nation mourning so much loss but yet some people were thinking of the truck driver. Pure empathy at its best but on July 6, 2018, exactly three months later, it was announced that the driver of the semi-trailer was charged with 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death, and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. Families needed answers and must have been dreading the day that he appeared in court.
Driver Pleads Guilty
After many delays, the day came and on January 8, 2019 when I turned on the news and heard that the driver had pleaded guilty on all counts, I felt a sigh of relief. I could relate as the driver that caused my crash was also charged and plead guilty but that is something I will be writing about in my next blog.
Today I will be thinking about all of the survivors, their families, their friends, bereaved families, bereaved friends and the team as they continue to heal as best as they can. Will it mean a lesser sentence on January 28th for the driver? Only time will tell but the survivors, family members and all of the people that continue to grieve will not be faced with re-living that day with a trial and I think that is something all of us can be thankful for.
Wishing everyone affected continued healing and strength.
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
