A 42-year-old driver from Abitibi-Témiscamingue will still be confined to a hospital bed over the holiday season, more than four months after he was hit head-on by a motorist Suspected alcohol poisoning.
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“The message is not harsh [à comprendre]. Car keys don't mix with alcohol or drugs, just like cell phones don't mix with driving,' summarizes Daniel Garneau, Karine Pépin's husband, in an interview with the Journal.
He lets out a touching cry that comes from the heart at a time when many Quebecers are preparing to party at their corporate parties.
That's because his partner's life was turned upside down late one afternoon in August last year in the small community of Palmarolle, near La Sarre.
Karine Pépin was waiting for the right moment to turn into the entrance to her apartment when a 20-year-old woman allegedly struck her from behind at full speed.
The damage to Karine Pépin's vehicle shows the severity of the impact. Photo provided by Daniel Garneau
Ms Pépin's vehicle was thrown in the opposite direction, resulting in a collision with a third motorist.
A total of six people were taken to hospital. Authorities believed that none of their lives were in danger.
Several ambulances were sent to the scene of the accident. Photo provided by Daniel Garneau
Possible allegations
The young driver who allegedly caused the collisions was arrested and then released.
It is possible that criminal charges will be filed against them, although alcohol may have been a “contributory factor” in the incident, according to the Sûreté du Québec.
The results of a blood sample were still awaited this weekend.
“I was really shocked,” says Daniel Garneau, 49 years old. We were two people struggling to build something. From one day to the next it hit us square in the face.”
Karine Pépin and Daniel Garneau Photo provided by Daniel Garneau
Complications
After the tragedy, the health of Ms. Pépin, who was described as a hard worker, deteriorated.
Due to his injuries, a significant portion of his intestines were removed. She also suffered strokes during her hospital stay.
“The right side [de son corps] is completely affected in his movements, the left side in its sensations. Let's say she puts her hands in hot water, it's hot from the right, but she doesn't feel anything from the left,” summarizes Daniel Garneau.
Karine Pépin has been in the hospital for 4 months now. Photo provided by Daniel Garneau
That's not all. Karine Pépin not only has reduced eyesight, but also difficulty speaking because her vocal cords are damaged. Among other things, she is fed intravenously and needs help getting up.
“It will change his life forever. It will never be the same again,” Mr. Garneau whispers on the other end of the line.
Domino effect
The sad event put the couple's life on hold. After nine years together, they had to celebrate their first wedding anniversary in the intensive care unit.
Karine Pépin and Daniel Garneau during their wedding in summer 2022. Photo provided by Daniel Garneau
Daniel Garneau has still not set foot home in Palmarolle as he is constantly at his partner's bedside in a Montreal hospital.
During this time, among other things, he fears for his forestry business.
“My two sons who work for me are trying to keep the company afloat, but it’s slowly going under,” says the man who has started a fundraising campaign to “get by.” I'm self-employed and if I mess up, I lose everything. We lose everything.”