Families release statement following fatal collision near Trochu
The following statement is being released on behalf of the families of Macy Boyce and Ethan Halford, who were killed in a collision on Friday, June 17, 2022, near Trochu, Alta.
Macy was a two-year-member of the Calgary Police Service Cadets and as such was part of our policing family. We extend our deepest condolences to the Boyce/MacPherson and Halford families during this difficult time.
A joint state from the Boyce/MacPherson and Halford Families
CALGARY, ALBERTA, JUNE 22, 2022 - On the night of Friday, June 17, in a fatal crash on the highway near Three Hills, Alberta, lives were changed in a way that no parent, sibling, family or friend should ever have to endure. Our two vibrant children, Macy Boyce and Ethan Halford, a young couple with the promise of bright futures, dedicated university students full of life and hope, were on their way to their first getaway this year, to spend time together visiting friends and family. They left full of excitement and anticipation for what the weekend would bring.
On that fateful night, another vehicle rear-ended their vehicle at high speed, causing their vehicle to cross the highway's centre line and into oncoming traffic. We do not and cannot know what led the accused to decide to drive in the manner he did that night. We only suffer the fallout of decisions.
The consequences of the choices made have irrevocably affected our family, friends, and everyone whose lives were touched by these two beautiful young people.
Macy was an intelligent young woman looking forward to starting her fourth year at the University of Calgary, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts, International Relations degree. Macy's maturity and sense of personal responsibility were due in part to her participation in Police Cadets; she aged out of the program in 2019 with the rank of Sergeant. An avid traveller, she sought out new places and cultures, and was making plans to go abroad to practice her French bilingualism. An advocate for women's rights, animal welfare, and social justice, Macy was known for speaking out for causes she believed in. Macy loved her family and friends fiercely, and always offered a hand of help to those in need. We will always cherish her generosity, courage, and bold, beautiful spirit.
Ethan was an outstanding young man and an inspiration to be around. He had a caring personality, calm demeanour, and inspiring athleticism. Ethan was studying his 3rd year of Civil Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan, and worked in civil construction the past three summers on what could have been the start of a great career. As a child, Ethan loved to ski, play baseball, umpire with his dad, make bread with the Grandma H, fish with Grandma C, and find adventure and play games with his friends. He competed at the highest level for amateur wake-surfing, and built many friendships all over the world. He had a smile that would brighten the whole room (or boat). His time here has left an impression on those that were lucky enough to have met him.
We take comfort in knowing that they did not suffer, and were together at the end of their too-brief lives. We ask the public to remember their names, and consider the consequences of impaired driving. No family should have to live through this pain, grieving for all we have been denied in the hours, days, and years to come.
The families would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the RCMP, the emergency responders, and all whose names we may never know, who took care of our children that night, and for the support our friends and family offered to us since the evening of this terrible tragedy.
The media is requested to please use only the photographs provided by the family, supplied with this statement.
The families thank everyone for their condolences and support, and kindly ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.
For bereaved survivor and victim support, please contact:
MADD CANADA
2010 Winston Park Drive
Suite 500, Oakville Ontario L6H 5R7
Phone: 1-800-665-6233 or 905-829-8805
Fax: 905-829-8860
Email: info@madd.ca
The collision investigation remains the purview of the Three Hills RCMP. Inquiries pertaining to the investigation can be directed to the RCMP media line at 780-509-3970. The family has asked for privacy following this statement, however, any questions pertaining to the family can be directed to the Calgary Police Service media line at 403-428-7979.