WEYBURN - On November 10, 1967, my family’s lives changed forever.
Our eldest sister, who was 17 at the time, was travelling from Regina to Estevan with a group of friends when their vehicle was struck at an intersection while passing through Weyburn.
Minor injuries were sustained by the other teens however, my sister’s injuries were severe and she passed away shortly after the accident.
A picture of the demolished vehicle along with an accident report appeared on the front page of this very newspaper the following week.
Nothing prepares a mother and father for opening the front door to a police officer informing you that your child has died.
Nothing prepares five younger siblings for losing their leader, best friend, partner in crime and babysitter.
From what I understand, alcohol was a factor in the accident, however it was not the teens who had consumed it.
It was not only our family who was affected. The trauma to the other teens, who are now in their seventies, is life-long. The driver of the other vehicle experienced a weight much heavier than the consequences given to him by authorities.
In the blink of an eye, many lives were changed and remain so to this day.
We are entering the festive season, where celebrating with friends and family often involves having a drink or two.
Please ensure that you drink responsibly, plan a safe ride home and do not let your friends drive after drinking. The life you save could be your sister’s.
