‘Damien touched the lives of so many’: Family grieves 9-year-old boy killed in QEW rollover

Nine-year-old Damien Maracle, of Hamilton, died after being ejected from a vehicle on Jan. 13 on the QEW in Oakville. (Court family photo)

Last Friday, Stephanie Court hugged her nine-year-old son and told him she loved him as he headed off to a weekend fishing trip with his dad and uncle near Belleville. Sadly, that would be the last time she’d see him alive.

In the early morning hours of Monday, Jan. 13, Damien Maracle was riding in a pickup, driven by his 38-year-old father, that went off the road on the Queen Elizabeth Way in Oakville and rolled over.

Damien was ejected from the truck and rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The boy’s dad was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. His 28-year-old uncle, also a passenger in the vehicle, was uninjured in the crash, which happened just after midnight on the westbound lanes of the highway approaching Burloak Drive.

The OPP continues to investigate the circumstances and cause of this collision, saying the “potential lack of seatbelt use is being investigated as a contributing factor.” Sgt. Kerry Schmidt told CP24.com on Thursday morning that the driver of the pickup remains in the hospital and that no charges have been laid at this point.

The boy’s family is crushed by his death.

“Damien was a boy whose heart was as big as his smile, and his laughter was the kind of sound that made everyone around him feel like the world was a little bit brighter. At just nine years old, he had already made a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path, from his schoolmates to his teachers, and most of all, to his family,” the Courts, who are from his mother’s side of the family, said in a written statement provided to CP24.com.

“Damien had a gift—he could make anyone laugh. Whether he was cracking silly jokes, pulling faces, or just being his goofy self, his infectious laugh would fill the room and spread warmth. He was the type of kid who was always up for a good time, and his laughter was as much a part of him as his love for his family and friends.”

A Grade 4 student at Hamilton’s Sir Wilfred Laurier Elementary, Damien was a well-loved and popular student who was the “heart of the school,” his family said. The flag at the school was lowered to half-mast in his honour. Students also decorated his locker and desk to remember their late friend.

“He was always kind, always ready to lend a hand, and he had a heart that never knew how to be anything but generous. His peers loved him, and his teachers admired his kind nature and the respect he gave to everyone, no matter their age or status,” the family wrote.

Damien was especially close with his maternal grandparents, Dan and Bonnie Court, as well as his many cousins, with whom he shared an “unbreakable bond,” his family said.

Many of his cousins lived in Tyendinega, where he often went fishing. The most recent expedition there was the weekend prior to the crash. Damien also spent a lot of time in that area trying to catch fish in the Bay of Quinte with his dad, with whom he was very close.

Damien often cheered on his father as he played hockey and lacrosse, a sport they both excelled in.

“(We are) deeply saddened by the tragic passing of young Damien Maracle - a member of our U11 Bengals. On behalf of everyone in our organization, we offer our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to the Maracle family, as well as Damien’s friends, teammates, and coaches during this difficult time,” Hamilton Lacrosse Association wrote in a post on social media.

‘Damien was her whole world’

Jennifer Court, Damien’s aunt, told CP24.com that her sibling is struggling to grapple with the loss of her only child, whom she affectionately referred to as her “favourite human.” She said Stephanie is “seriously the best mom,” who “lived and breathed” for her son.

“Damien was her whole entire world. They had their own special games, their silly little routines that made each day feel magical. Whether they were dancing around the house or making up fun, quirky games to pass the time, Damien’s presence was always the source of joy for her,” the family said.

“He would pull her into his fun, always making sure she was laughing just as much as he was. It was impossible not to smile around him, and Stephanie, in particular, felt like the luckiest mom in the world to have such a loving, funny, and kind-hearted son.”

A typical nine-year-old boy, Damien loved playing Fortnite and was a huge WWE fan. He especially loved creating realistic scenes with his wrestling action figures and taking photos of them, his family said. Court added that her nephew’s best friend was his dog, a pocket Bully named Bowser.

Damien was also proud of his First Nations Mohawk roots, which his family said was a pride he carried in his heart every day, “walking through the world with a quiet strength, grounded in his cultural identity.” The boy’s Indigenous relatives held a sacred fire ceremony in his honour as he enters his journey to the spirit world.

“Though his life was tragically short, Damien touched the lives of so many. He was loved by his family, his friends, his school, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His laughter, his kindness, and his big heart will never be forgotten,” the Courts wrote.

A visitation for Damien Maracle will be held at Donald V. Brown Funeral Home Ltd. at 36 Lake Avenue Dr. in Stoney Creek, Ont. on Jan. 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. His funeral is set for the following day, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m. at Victory International Church, 2799 Barton St. E. in Hamilton.

A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to assist with funeral costs and other related expenses.