CALEB NICKERSON
FORT COULONGE Oct. 2, 2019
The community of Fort Coulonge and Mansfield was struck by tragedy last week, as a local teenager died in a . . .
single-vehicle accident.
Véronique Bourque, 17, was reported missing on Tuesday morning and a description of her and her vehicle travelled quickly on social media. She had been last seen in the Pembroke area on Monday evening and was headed towards Fort Coulonge.
Around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, her car was discovered in a ditch next to Hwy. 148 on Allumettes Island. She was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Speaking on Wednesday morning, Sûreté du Quebec spokesperson Marc Tessier said that Bourque’s vehicle was found about 20 metres from the road, which made it hard to see. He added that an investigation is being conducted to determine the exact cause of the collision.
On Wednesday evening hundreds of people sporting red, Bourque’s favourite colour, and holding candles gathered at the park in Fort Coulonge for a vigil in her memory. There were very few dry eyes in the audience as Fr. Justin Bertrand officiated the ceremony and led the crowd in prayer.
Local singer Michaela Cahill lent her voice to the solemn occasion with several heart-wrenching songs of mourning.
A flock of red balloons, as well as a sky lantern, were released into the evening gloom, and there was a cross and photo of Bourque, where members of the community could pay their respects.
Bourque was also honoured at the home opener of the Pontiac Senior Comets on Saturday evening (see page five for the story).
