Obituary: Félix Desrosiers-Nadeau – A Life Cut Short on Highway 138
The small town of Donnacona, Quebec, is in mourning following the tragic death of 15-year-old Félix Desrosiers-Nadeau, a promising young ice hockey player whose life was abruptly ended in a devastating crash on Highway 138 near des Prés Avenue. The incident occurred on the evening of Friday, June 28, 2022, leaving the community grappling with the loss of a bright and beloved teenager. (
A Bright Future Ahead
Félix was known for his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to the sport of ice hockey. As a member of the local youth hockey league, he demonstrated not only skill on the ice but also sportsmanship and camaraderie that endeared him to teammates and coaches alike. Off the rink, he was a student at École secondaire de Donnacona, where he excelled academically and was admired for his kindness and generosity. His family and friends remember him as a young man with a bright future, full of potential and dreams yet to be realized.
The Tragic Accident
On that fateful Friday evening, Félix was riding his motorcycle when he was struck by a vehicle driven by Ludovic Clavette, a 20-year-old man who had been fleeing from police officers. Clavette, who had a history of reckless driving and an invalid driver’s license, was traveling at high speeds when he collided with Félix, who had just obtained his motorcycle license earlier that day. The impact was fatal, and Félix was pronounced dead at the scene.
Legal Proceedings and Community Reaction
The court proceedings that followed highlighted the severity of the incident. Clavette pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving causing death and fleeing from police. He was sentenced to five and a half years in prison, a decision that sparked outrage among the families affected. Lucie Nadeau, the mother of Félix, expressed her disbelief at the leniency of the sentence, stating, “Mes chers jeunes conducteurs. Avec ou sans permis. Tuez deux personnes! Démolissez des familles! Cinq ans et demi de prison… vous allez sortir dans un an et demi. Bravo, le Québec” (“My dear young drivers. With or without a license. Kill two people! Destroy families! Five and a half years in prison… you’ll be out in a year and a half. Bravo, Quebec”). Her words resonated with many, sparking discussions about the adequacy of legal consequences for such tragic events.
Remembering Félix
In the wake of this tragedy, the community of Donnacona has come together to honor Félix’s memory. Memorial services have been held, and tributes poured in from friends, family, and fellow hockey enthusiasts. A local hockey rink has been dedicated in his name, serving as a lasting tribute to his passion for the sport. Félix’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, and his story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safe driving practices.
A Call for Change
The tragic death of Félix Desrosiers-Nadeau has sparked a broader conversation about road safety and the consequences of reckless driving. Advocates are calling for stricter laws and more severe penalties for individuals who endanger lives through dangerous driving behaviors. The hope is that, through these efforts, future tragedies can be prevented, and communities can be spared the heartache of losing young lives too soon.
As Donnacona continues to mourn the loss of one of its own, the memory of Félix Desrosiers-Nadeau serves as a testament to the impact a young life can have on a community. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his story will not be forgotten.
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