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Toronto, ON — A Toronto family is in mourning after three siblings — aged 15, 13, and six — were killed in a suspected impaired driving crash in Etobicoke early Sunday morning. The tragic incident unfolded just after midnight on the eastbound off-ramp from Highway 401 to Renforth Drive, when a Dodge Caravan, allegedly speeding, plowed into a stopped minivan carrying a family of six.
The victims’ aunt, Janelle Galve, spoke publicly Tuesday about the family’s profound grief and the lives cut short. “It’s not fair. Losing my niece and nephews at such young ages is not fair,” she said in an emotional interview with CTV News Toronto.
The two teenage boys died at the scene. Their younger sister was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Their names have not been released due to a court-ordered publication ban protecting the identities of minors.
Three other passengers — the children’s 35-year-old mother, her 40-year-old partner, and the family’s 10-year-old son — sustained critical injuries. Police say all three are now in stable condition. The boy, recovering at SickKids, is expected to be released in the coming days.
Galve described the children lovingly: the eldest, a fan of basketball and Call of Duty, was protective of his siblings; the middle child was active in student leadership and always looked out for his little sister; and the six-year-old girl, Galve said, was “the sweetest soul” who loved singing, dancing, and bubble tea.
“They were all so full of life. Our go-to outings were food runs for sushi and boba,” she said, breaking down. “We can’t make those memories anymore.”
The family had spent Saturday evening together in Milton watching fireworks before the fatal crash occurred hours later.
School Board Offers Support, Community Responds
The Toronto Catholic District School Board confirmed that all four children in the minivan were enrolled in its schools. “We are heartbroken by this loss, which will be deeply felt across our school communities,” the board said, announcing mental health and faith-based supports for affected students and staff.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to assist the family has already raised nearly $150,000, and a growing memorial marks the crash site as mourners pay tribute with flowers and candles.
Teen Driver Facing Multiple Charges
Nineteen-year-old Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ont., is facing 12 charges in connection with the crash, including three counts each of impaired driving causing death and dangerous operation causing death. He made a brief court appearance via video link from a detention centre on Tuesday and is set to remain in custody until at least June 17.
None of the charges have been proven in court, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Galve, speaking not only as an aunt but also as a mother, urged the public to reflect on the consequences of impaired driving: “Nobody should have to endure this pain. Drinking and driving destroys lives. This tragedy was completely preventable.”
Toronto police continue to seek witnesses or dashcam footage and ask anyone with information to contact investigators or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
