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The families of the three Islanders who died in a collision Tuesday between an ambulance and transport truck in New Brunswick are remembering the lives of their loved ones.
Anne Martell, a 77-year-old woman from Montague who was a patient in the ambulance, was one of three people from P.E.I. who died in the collision.
“We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved mother, a devoted wife and grandmother, whose love and strength meant everything to us,” said a statement written on behalf of the Martell family.
“We also honor the paramedics who lost their lives — recognizing their courage, unwavering dedication, and the ultimate sacrifice they made in service to others. Their bravery and kindness will not be forgotten.”
The father of the 23-year-old paramedic who died in the accident is remembering the difference his daughter made in the world.
Jenna Croucher was a protector and a helper — someone who made everyone feel comfortable, said her father Robin Croucher, a P.E.I. Progressive Conservative MLA who also worked as a paramedic.
“Since she was three years old, she was the helper in the family,” he said.
Croucher was brave and was meant to do paramedic work, her father said, describing her as the “most loyal, kind, compassionate person you could find.”
“She made the world a better place.”
Croucher’s father isn’t alone in remembering the contributions his daughter made.
Priscilla Currie, who worked with Croucher as a paramedic, posted a tribute to her colleague and friend on social media.
“I never had to ask Jenna to be a great friend — she just was,” Currie’s Facebook post reads.
“I am heartbroken that you were robbed of your beautiful life and all the dreams that were going to be ahead of you. Thank you for all your laughter, all your kindness, your friendship, your partnership and the love you gave to me so freely.”
P.E.I.’s first responder community is mourning the loss of Croucher, along with her colleague Mike MacKenzie, who also died in the collision on Tuesday.
About 120 New Brunswick paramedics have volunteered to temporarily replace P.E.I. paramedics.
Chris Hood, executive director of the Paramedic Association of New Brunswick, said its members will be given 30-day authorizations to volunteer on the Island in their spare time and the volunteers could be operational within a few days.
The collision happened just after 9 a.m. in the community of Melrose, N.B., around 12 km southwest of the Confederation Bridge near Port Elgin.
The driver of the transport truck was brought to the hospital with what police believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.
The RCMP said it has no more information to provide right now, as the collision remains under investigation.
