Step-grandfather of girl killed in crash seeks to share story with teens
The step-grandfather of a 17-yearold girl killed in a crash that claimed the lives of two teens says, as a tribute to a life lost far too early, he wants to speak to young people about making impulsive decisions.
Maddie Clement, 17, and Michaela Martel, 18, died on Sunday night after a car carrying four teens swerved off Fernbank Road into a wooded area near Stittsville. Two other teens, a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man, were taken to hospital with traumatic injuries. Police investigators believe the teens had just left a bush party, and have been interviewing witnesses.
Bruce Pearson, Clement’s stepgrandfather, said he is mulling over what he can do that could serve as a legacy for his step-granddaughter. He would like to offer to speak to teens about the importance of careful decision-making.
“Think twice before you get into that car. Think of your mom’s or dad’s offer of a ride,” he said. “I was a teenager, too. We all did stupid things and made instant decisions. We thought we were immortal. But it could happen to you.”
Clement meant the world to her mother, Michelle, and vice-versa, said Pearson. On June 9, Michelle was married to James Morrison, and her three daughters, Maddie, Emily Clement, 19, and Avery
Wong, 13, acted as her bridesmaids.
“Maddison was very much the social butterfly and she had a huge heart,” Pearson said. “She was always caring and concerned about her friends’ well-being and their lives. She was so empathetic and intuitive. She would go to the most stoic and straight-faced person and ask them what she could do to help.”
Clement’s daughter, Lilah, was born in March 2016. Clement had been attending the Frederick Banting Alternate Program in Stittsville, but put her education on hold to take care of her baby.
“She was absolutely committed to providing the best in comfort and care for her child. She was an exemplary mother for someone of that age,” said Pearson. “She was proud of Lilah and would take her everywhere she could.”
On Monday, a family friend created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses for Clement and to help provide for Lilah’s future. As of late afternoon Wednesday, more than $8,500 had been donated. Pearson says the family has decided that all of the funds raised will be directed to Lilah’s future.
A memorial service is to be held in Kanata early next week. Details will likely be finalized today.