Heartbroken parents who filed suit speak About loss
The parents of Adam Herold have released a statement days after it was reported they are suing the semi-driver, the trucking company and the bus manufacturer involved in the April 6 Humboldt Broncos bus crash that claimed the life of their son.
“No family should have to go through what we are enduring,” read the statement emailed to media early Wednesday morning.
“Our family loved each other, supported each other and did everything together — that’s what families are supposed to do,” it continued.
The statement of claim put forward by Adam’s estate and his parents, Russell and Raelene, came shortly after the RCMP announced criminal charges had been laid against the semi driver.
Filed at Regina Court of Queen’s Bench on Monday, it seeks an unspecified amount in damages, expenses, costs and interest.
“On April 6, our lives changed forever,” read the Herolds’ statement. “Since that evening, our family has been living minute to minute, trying to cope with the tragic loss of our beloved son, Adam. We think of Adam all day, every day.
“We are reminded of our loss everywhere we turn and would do anything to go back in time to the way we were. Grief, worry, guilt, anxiety and loss have taken over our lives as we continue to mourn and try to deal with this tragedy.”
The statement of claim is looking for a variety of “declaratory orders” by the court, including that the intersection in question be found “unsafe to drive on as it is currently designed and maintained;” that the sight lines at the intersection are unsafe for northbound traffic; that coach buses carrying sports teams in Saskatchewan be equipped with shoulder harness seatbelts and other safety devices, such as early warning devices; that the roof of the bus was not designed or manufactured to ensure it stayed in place in an accident; and that all semi drivers pass “strict safety tests” before being allow to haul “Super B Trailers” in Saskatchewan.
The claim is also asking the court to find that The Automobile Accident Insurance Act and the Fatal Accidents Act are “antiquated” and don’t adequately address compensation for victims and their families.
“The support our family has received from the public since the accident has been overwhelming,” added the statement.
“Our family, friends and complete strangers continue to reach out and support us as we navigate through this heart wrenching journey we never ever envisioned we would have to experience. We appreciate all of the support and messages of sympathy and simply say ‘thank you.’”