Toronto Family Mourns Tragic Loss of Three Children in Alleged Drunk Driving Crash
Toronto community mourns as three siblings tragically die in impaired-driving crash on May 18.
The Toronto community is reeling after a collision on May 18 claimed the lives of three siblings—Ramone Lavina, 15, Jace Lavina, 13, and their youngest sister, Mya Lavina, just 6 years old. The tragedy unfolded shortly after midnight at the eastbound off-ramp at Renforth Drive and Highway 401, where police allege a 19-year-old driver, suspected to be impaired, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the minivan carrying the family.
According to authorities, the driver was speeding as he exited the highway before veering over a median and colliding with the stopped minivan. Inside were the children, their mother Jade Galve, a ten-year-old sibling Avery, and a friend of the family. Ramone and Jace were pronounced dead at the scene, and Mya succumbed to her injuries after being rushed to hospital. The mother, Avery, and the male acquaintance were also hospitalized but are reported to be in stable condition.
The family, now facing what they call an “unimaginable tragedy”, expressed profound grief as they prepare for the funeral of their children, scheduled for June 14. “Although we remain utterly devastated, we are now in the process of planning the funeral for our three dear children, which is something no parent should ever have to endure,” read a statement shared through their lawyer.
Police have charged 19-year-old Ethan Lehouillier of Georgetown, Ontario, with twelve offences, including three counts of impaired driving causing death and three counts of impaired driving causing bodily harm. He was arrested at the scene of the crash. The allegations have not been proven in court.
This devastating loss has sent shockwaves through the local Filipino Canadian community, to which the Lavina-Galve family belongs. Jim Cantos, a longtime family friend and coach to Ramone at a popular Scarborough basketball program, described the siblings as “tight-knit” and always supportive of each other. “Whenever Ramone came to practice, his siblings were there as well, cheering him on. I believe they did everything together,” Cantos recalled, emphasizing the strength of their family bond.
The Lavinas were known for their respectfulness and close ties within the community. Many Filipino Canadians have reached out with condolences, still mourning another recent community tragedy in Vancouver that left 11 dead. “The Filipino community is hit hard by this,” said Cantos, reflecting on the pain shared by families across the country.
As the Lavina-Galve family prepares to say goodbye to Ramone, Jace, and Mya, support continues to pour in from first responders, health workers, friends, and neighbours. The community stands united in grief and solidarity, mourning the loss of three young lives taken far too soon by what police allege was a completely preventable crime.
