Police charge man in 2023 Hants County crash that killed 2 young people

The tragic crash that took the lives of two young individuals in 2023 near Windsor, N.S., has finally led to charges being laid against the alleged driver, Drake Robert Brown, after a lengthy 15-month investigation by the RCMP. Brayden Lemmon, 20, and Victoria Cousins, 20, lost their lives in the crash, while another passenger sustained injuries but survived. Brown, who was also injured in the collision, now faces 10 charges related to the incident, including criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and impaired driving causing death.

The news of the charges has brought mixed emotions for the mothers of the victims. Tracy O’Handley, Victoria’s mother, expressed relief that someone is being held accountable for the tragic loss of her daughter and Brayden. She mentioned that the long wait for justice had been incredibly challenging. Kyla Loane, Brayden’s mother, described the situation as bittersweet, highlighting that Brown and her son were friends, and Brown even attended Brayden’s funeral.

The details of the incident reveal that Brown was allegedly impaired by alcohol and drugs and was driving at excessive speed when his vehicle collided with another on Highway 14 in Windsor Forks. The process of determining the driver’s identity reportedly delayed the charges, with O’Handley only recently learning that Brown was behind the wheel. Both mothers expressed sympathy for the surviving passenger, who had also been under scrutiny during the investigation.

The grieving mothers emphasized that their children did not choose to die that night, disputing any insinuation that they willingly got into a vehicle with an impaired driver. Loane shared her frustration over insensitive comments blaming her son for his own death, highlighting the complexities of recognizing impairment. Brown was arrested on November 8 and appeared in provincial court, where he was granted bail. His next court date is set for December 10.

The tragic loss of Victoria and Brayden has left a profound impact on their families and the community. The legal proceedings against Brown mark a step towards justice, but for the mothers, the pain of their children’s absence will never fade. As they navigate through the aftermath of the crash, they hope for a fair resolution that honors the memories of their beloved young ones.