Clare McBride says no amount of charges or jail time will ever be enough to heal her pain.
The mother of two young girls killed by an alleged drunk driver north of Dauphin is speaking out after RCMP announced charges in connection to the August 16, 2019 incident.
“I was trying to think of a word to describe how I feel. There isn’t really a word — 'relief' doesn’t cover it, because none of this is ever going to bring our girls back, and that’s all any of us want. However, I am glad to see that some sort of justice is finally happening for Oksana and Quinn.”
On Tuesday, RCMP announced a 25-year-old man from the RM of Dauphin is facing 15 offences, with most of the charges relating to impaired driving, and dangerous operation causing death.
Oksana & Quinn Dutchyshen died on their way home from a swimming lesson, after the Dodge Ram they were in was hit by a Ford F-150. McBride and another woman in the Dodge were also injured.
McBride is commending the Dauphin RCMP for their work investigating the matter, adding “I would like to say the Dauphin RCMP did a great job investigating this....and I’m happy to see that charges have finally come from it.”
Cpl. Kalvin Kristjanson with the RCMP says this has been a very complex and complicated investigation — and a lot of work was done to determine who was driving the Ford F-150 in this collision.
“We looked at this case as very important. Two young children lost their lives, and we did everything we could to do a thorough investigation. It’s an unfortunate and horrible reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving.”
Clare McBride says every day is still a struggle — but she draws strength from the support of her family and community.
“I have absolutely fantastic family & friends. My parents, my family, all my friends from the community of Dauphin, Gilbert Plains, and the Parkland as a whole have been extrememly supportive.”
If the community can take away one thing from this tragedy, Clare hopes it's a reminder to appreciate each day.
“This happened to us on a normal Friday night, under normal road conditions, on our way home from a normal swimming lesson. The kids never got to walk back through their bedroom doors ever again. I think this needs to be a lesson to our entire community, to love one another, and live with joy just like my girls did. They always had a smile on their face. They were beautiful children.”
