Teen vows to care for brothers after fatal crash
Jordan Dubois of Winnipeg wasn't with parents, brothers for Sask. taekwondo event
A 19-year-old who stayed in Winnipeg while his family was in Saskatchewan on the weekend says he plans to care for his four brothers following a crash that killed their parents.
Marcel and Brenda Dubois, both 38, died at the scene after their minivan was struck by a car. The couple and four of their sons were in Yorkton for a taekwondo tournament.
Jordan Dubois says his brother Matthew, 13, has a brain injury, and Jarret, 14, is paralyzed from the waist down. His 16-year-old and nine-year-old brothers were taken to hospital in Yorkton for treatment.
"After we are all back, when I have all the boys with me, I'm sure that it's my parents' wish that we can all make it through this tragedy as one — the five of us together," said Dubois.
His family was celebrating a successful tournament, in which the boys captured several medals, on Sunday when their minivan was struck head-on about one kilometre east of Saltcoats on Highway 16 — the Yellowhead Highway.
Matthew and Jarret were airlifted to hospital in Regina.
"They should have been coming home with four gold medals, two silver and one bronze," Jordan Dubois said.
'They only wanted the best for us … just wanted us all to be one big, happy family.'—Jordan Dubois
The 17-year-old Yorkton girl driving the car that struck the minivan was also killed after the crash occurred when she attempted to pass another vehicle.
Jordan Dubois said his parents would do anything for their children, and he will try to fill their role in raising his brothers.
"They were the most giving people. Anything that the boys asked for or that we asked for, they'd do their best to make sure we were happy," he said, adding "my dad had a great sense of humour and my mom had a big heart.
"They only wanted the best for us … just wanted us all to be one big, happy family."
Dubois said he intends to take over Dubois Delivery Service, his dad's courier and messenger business, and has informed the employees that it will be shut down for a week or two while he arranges the legal documents to change everything into his name.
"It's been a family business for 25 years. It used to belong to my grandpa, who passed away in April. They're up there with him now," Dubois said.
The boys also have a big extended family that has stepped up to support them, Dubois said.
"They just want us to all be back together and everyone safe at home," he said.
"I am willing to take responsibility for all the boys."
A trust fund is being set up for the family. Financial donations can be made at Scotiabanks across the country.
Donations are also being accepted by mail:
Iron Fist Tae Kwon Do
675 Archibald St.
Winnipeg, MB R2J 0Y9
Make cheques payable to: "In trust for the Dubois family."
