Mothers of young people killed in 2023 Hants County crash react to charges

The tragic events of a fatal crash in 2023 near Windsor, N.S., have finally seen some closure as charges have been laid against the alleged driver, Drake Robert Brown, after a painstaking 15-month investigation by the RCMP.

On August 24, 2023, Brayden Lemmon and Victoria Cousins, both 20 years old, lost their lives in the crash, while another passenger sustained injuries. Brown, who was also injured in the incident, has been charged with 10 offenses, including two counts of criminal negligence causing death, two counts of dangerous driving causing death, and two counts of impaired driving causing death.

The news of the charges has brought both relief and bittersweet emotions to the mothers of the victims. Tracy O’Handley, Victoria’s mother, expressed her relief that someone is being held accountable for the tragic loss of her daughter and Brayden. She mentioned that the long wait of 15 months had been challenging.

Kyla Loane, Brayden’s mother, shared that it has been a difficult journey for her as well. She revealed that Brown and her son were friends, and Brown even attended Brayden’s celebration of life service after his passing.

Both Brayden and Victoria were young individuals with bright futures ahead of them. Brayden had a twin brother and two sisters and worked at Ski Martock. Victoria was a Girl Guides leader and had been employed at a local Tim Hortons for five years before her untimely death.

The mothers also shed light on the emotional toll of the investigation process. O’Handley mentioned that it was difficult not knowing for sure who was behind the wheel until recently. She expressed empathy for the surviving passenger who had also been under scrutiny during the investigation.

Loane highlighted the unfairness of blaming her son for getting into a vehicle driven by someone impaired. She emphasized that the signs of impairment may not always be evident, and her son did not choose to end his life that night.

Brown was arrested on November 8 and appeared in provincial court in Windsor. He has been released on bail and is scheduled to return to court on December 10.

The long-awaited charges have brought a sense of closure to the grieving families, although the pain of their loss will never truly fade. The community continues to mourn the tragic loss of two young lives and stands in solidarity with the families as they navigate this difficult journey towards healing and justice.