The mother of a 23-year-old young man who died during a voluntary action on the Père Antonio Poulin bridge in Notre-Dame-des-Pins believes that the installation of deterrent barriers at this point, on the 73 motorway , success will make a difference in the future.
“It brings some comfort. My boy would definitely have set himself on fire. It would have clicked. It had become the place where you could finish things without missing each other,” explains Chantale Roch, still deeply shaken by the tragic death of her son Dalton Nadeau in Beauce.
Jean Francois Racine
Dalton Nadeau
On May 3, 2021, at approximately 3:44 p.m., a driver saw an oncoming vehicle brake and drive onto the shoulder of the viaduct.
According to the coroner's report, the driver honked twice, but the victim still jumped forward headfirst. When the first responders arrived in the residential area several dozen meters below, it was obvious that there was a fatality.
A year earlier, a 50-year-old man committed suicide by throwing himself into the void in the same spot. This structure, spanning 34th Street and Bernard Road, is the tallest in the region.
No price
“If we can save one life, that would be enough. The barriers will undoubtedly make a difference. A life is priceless. It was two years with ups and downs. “I’m not fully recovered yet,” Ms. Roch adds, her voice trembling.
Jean Francois Racine
The Père Antonio Poulin Bridge in Notre-Dame-des-Pins in Beauce
The grieving mother, who is currently in Florida, promises to return to the site during the holidays to see the anti-crack barriers.
“Shortly after my boy died, I went to the same place. I stopped my car at the same spot. I looked down and cried. When you went downstairs, you could see my son's sign in the cement in the neighborhood, and that's why the lady had put her for sale sign in front of her house,” explains Chantale Roch.
A terrible feeling
Dalton Nadeau's mother says the tragedy has plunged the entire family into deep distress.
“Your husband says goodbye to you in the morning and the police are waiting for you at home after your walk. It's terrible. It's violent. We need to put barriers in the most appropriate places. We need to do more and listen to coroners more. It’s a priority not to forget them.”
Protect the population
Coroner Pierre Guilmette, who recommended the installation of anti-suicide barriers after young Dalton's death, notes that these installations have been particularly effective on the bridge over the Rimouski River.
Jean Francois Racine
Young Dalton's body was found under this bridge
In Beauce, the work required a government investment of $1.3 million. The deterrent barriers were installed on both sides along the entire length of the bridge. The work ended on December 5th.
IF YOU NEED HELP
Quebec suicide prevention hotline
Youth, I'm listening
Tel Jeunes
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.