A friend’s birthday ended tragically for a 21-year-old who “lived to help others” when her vehicle caught fire after a violent collision, leaving her dead.
“She was told she could stay the night if she wanted, even if she had to attend [un événement] the day after. But our daughter was like that, she liked being everywhere at the same time and didn’t miss anything,” says Danielle Dubé emotionally almost a week after the tragedy.
On October 30, after her day at work, her daughter Mathilde Planchard went to a friend’s birthday party in Saint-Bernard, Beauce, around 11pm. It was the last time her parents saw her.
Photo Jeremy Bernier
The victim’s parents, Danielle Dubé and Bruno Planchard, have received a surge of love since the tragedy.
The 21-year-old young woman, originally from Saint-Henri-de-Lévis, died around 5.30am on the way back to Saint-Isidore. According to authorities, she fell asleep at the wheel before hitting a power pole. The force of the impact immediately set the vehicle on fire.
“We could only identify him by his jewelry…” blows the victim’s father, Bruno Planchard.
Photo agency QMI, Guy Martel
The young woman’s car caught fire after the impact.
A life dedicated to the neighbor
Since the events, a true wave of love has swept over the young woman’s family, recognized as a real heart on two legs. She has been active in her community for several years and “lived to help others,” many say.
She spent a lot of time working at her community’s day camp, where she looked after more difficult children, or at the Saint-Henri figure skating club, where she grew up.
Photo Jeremy Bernier
A small cross was erected at the scene of the accident.
For four years, she was a part-time nurse at a CHSLD, where she oversaw the care of each of her clients while waiting to complete her special education degree.
“It’s a small comfort to see that she had such an impact on the lives of so many people,” says Mr. Planchard.
cancer remission
For many of her relatives, the situation is all the more unfair because Mathilde Planchard fought blood cancer at the age of 12 – and overcame it.
The Journal also highlighted her remission in a December 2014 report, which she celebrated with a trip to Australia.
“When the police knocked on the house, it was an incredible shock … I think at least two weeks ago I was able to tell her how proud I am of her and that I love him,” breathes the victim’s mother.
- Mathilde Planchard’s funeral will be celebrated on November 12 at 2 p.m. in the Saint-Henri-de-Lévis church
many honors
“To see someone so bubbly going out with so much joie de vivre is a terrible tragedy. We never expect it to touch anyone close to us. »
– Jérémi Rochette, friend of Mathilde Planchard
“For her to survive cancer and then die in a stupid car accident is so unfair. She was such a bright person. She didn’t deserve this. »
– Mélanie Laverdière, former vice-president of the Saint-Henri figure skating club
“The most important thing is that she left with a happy attitude towards life. This child was so loved we could not have done more. »
– Danielle Dubé, mother of Mathilde Planchard
Do you have any information about this story that you would like to share with us?
Do you have a scoop that might be of interest to our readers?