Three new names have been added to the monument for victims of impaired drivers, bringing the total number of names to 1,200. The monument, located in Edmonton, serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
The three new names were added during a ceremony on Sunday, where family members and loved ones gathered to honor and remember those who lost their lives due to the actions of an impaired driver. The ceremony was organized by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and featured emotional speeches and tributes.
Among the new names added to the monument was 21-year-old Kelsey Nelson, who was killed in a car crash caused by an impaired driver in 2018. Her mother, Lisa Nelson, spoke at the ceremony, sharing her daughter’s story and urging others to never get behind the wheel while under the influence.
Also added to the monument were the names of 17-year-old Kole Novak and 19-year-old Thaddeus Lake, who were both killed in a car crash caused by an impaired driver in 2011. Their families were present at the ceremony and shared their grief and the impact that their loss has had on their lives.
According to MADD, impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death in Canada, with an average of four people killed every day. The organization continues to advocate for stricter laws and harsher penalties for impaired driving, as well as promoting education and awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
The monument for victims of impaired drivers serves as a powerful symbol of the lives lost and the families forever impacted by this preventable crime. As we add these three new names to the monument, let us remember and honor all those who have been affected by impaired driving and work towards a future where this tragedy no longer occurs.
