N.S. man sentenced to 4½ years for October 2023 crash that killed 3, including infant

A Nova Scotia man who T-boned another vehicle, killing three people on a rainy, fall night while driving more than twice the legal speed limit has been sentenced to 4½ years in prison.

Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Joshua Arnold accepted a joint sentencing recommendation from the Crown and defence, according to his written decision released Dec. 22.

In addition to the prison sentence, Tyler Strong was also given a five-year driving ban and can't own firearms for 10 years. The latter two conditions apply once he has served his prison time.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of dangerous driving causing death and two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Strong was driving 149 km/h at time of crash

Strong was driving a rental Volkswagen Golf and headed toward Amherst on Highway 2 around 10 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2023, according to an agreed statement of facts.

The highway has two lanes that go in opposite directions with the posted speed limit being 70 km/h.

Despite a solid line, Strong passed a vehicle in front of him and reached a speed of 168 km/h. While still in this lane, he struck a Mitsubishi crossover that was making a left turn onto an on ramp for Highway 104.

At the time of the crash, Strong was travelling an estimated 149 km/h, the statement of facts say.

Three of the four people in the Mitsubishi were killed, while a fourth person was ejected and suffered severe injuries, including a broken femur and nerve damage in their lower extremities.

The passenger in Strong's vehicle — his girlfriend — suffered serious injuries, including a collapsed lung, loss of 40 per cent of her bowel and seven broken ribs.

In accepting the joint sentence recommendation, Arnold said he agreed with counsel that Strong's "troubling background, combined with his overcoming significant life challenges, cries out for some restraint in imposing sentence."

Sad life principal

Arnold noted that while counsel did not specifically raise something known as the "sad life principal," it was peripherally referenced.

"The sad life principle as historically applied, works to restrain the sentence if the offender has demonstrated a genuine interest in rehabilitation. Mr. Strong worked hard to make something of himself and leave his challenging upbringing behind," wrote Arnold.

"Then he committed these terrible and catastrophic offences. I accept that he is remorseful and sincere about serving his time and returning to society as a contributing member."

Troubled upbringing

The presentence report shed's light on Strong's upbringing. His parents, who never married, separated when he was in preschool.

Strong called his mother an "unfit parent" because of her struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, while his father also had substance abuse problems, the decision says.

Strong's father had custody and while he provided "adequate parental care" for a few years, he later "severely neglected" Strong and his brother.

"He reported no guidance, structure or discipline, and his father's primary mode of communication was yelling," wrote Arnold.

Physical, emotional abuse

Strong said he was verbally and emotionally abused by his parents, and physically abused by his brother. He cut ties with them around five years ago, the court heard.

Strong said his father, who had to have a leg amputated because of intravenous drug use, rarely left his bedroom. Strong had to prepare food for his family and empty dishes and urine-filled containers from his father's room.

He said his life would have been worse, if not for a great aunt who checked in and provided the family with food.

At 18, Strong moved out and got a job at a poultry farm, finding structure and support through his boss and a friend who worked there.

For the past three years, Strong has been in a relationship with Kayley Bird, who suffered serious injuries in the crash. The decision notes they are still together, with him helping her with her recovery, and that her family has been supportive.

Victim impact statements

Parts of 11 victim impact statements from friends and family were entered into the decision.

One of them was from Sara Gabriel, the lone survivor of the four people who were in the Mitsubishi. The three people who died were her mother, two-month-old son and partner.

"Emotionally I am confused, mad, lost and empty. Nothing can bring them back," she said. "I will never be okay with the fact that my sweet curly-headed baby boy isn't here with me today. I will forever have an emptiness in my heart, soul and mind."

Strong's actions "shattered our families," said Tammy DiMichele, Gabriel's mother.

"It wasn't just three lives taken — it was countless others left broken, living with pain and a hole in our hearts that will never heal," she said. "Every birthday, every holiday, every ordinary day carries the weight of their absence.

"You have taken away laughter, hugs, future milestones, and the simple joy of seeing them live and grow."

'I hide from the world,' family member writes

Another family member wrote that they had to sell their home and move to another town because of the memories.

"At this point my life style is shit, I can't sleep at night anymore. I quit all my activities, softball, darts, and hanging out with any friends, I hide from the world," wrote Adam Troy Robert Gabriel.

"I can't eat and go to family gatherings anymore, I drink and get high every day now and shake so bad I can't carry a cup of coffee to the table because it spills."

Arnold wrote that Strong believes the victims' families hate him, although only one person has been openly hostile.

"He has not reached out to anyone impacted, aside from his girlfriend, and knows no apology will help," wrote Arnold. "He expressed hope that taking responsibility will offer the families some resolution."

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