BEAUCEVILLE, Quebec — A heart-wrenching tragedy has struck the Beauceville community as authorities confirm that three young girls and their father were killed in a devastating traffic accident on a rural highway near the municipality on Saturday.
The victims, identified as the daughters and ex-husband of local woman Natacha Gilbert, were traveling together when their vehicle collided head-on with another car in what officials described as a high-impact crash. The girls, aged between 4 and 10, died at the scene along with their father. Emergency responders arrived quickly but were unable to save any of the four victims.
Police have not yet released the names of the deceased children or the ex-husband pending full coroner’s reports, but family members and friends have confirmed their identities publicly and through social media. The crash, which occurred under reportedly dry road conditions, is under active investigation by the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) to determine the exact cause.
A Mother’s Worst Nightmare
Natacha Gilbert, who lives in the Beauce region, is now facing an unfathomable loss—the deaths of all three of her daughters and her former spouse in a single moment. According to sources close to the family, the girls were spending time with their father during scheduled visitation when the tragedy occurred. They had been returning home from a short outing when the accident happened.
Friends and neighbors describe Natacha as a devoted mother who was deeply involved in her daughters’ lives, from school activities and birthday parties to simple moments like reading bedtime stories and taking walks together.
“She was the kind of mother every child deserves—loving, attentive, protective,” said one family friend. “This is not just one tragedy. It’s a thousand broken dreams in an instant.”
Community in Mourning
The town of Beauceville, known for its close-knit community and peaceful surroundings, is reeling in the aftermath. Flags have been lowered across several municipal buildings, and grief counselors have been dispatched to local schools and community centers to support those affected, particularly classmates and friends of the young victims.
“Our hearts are shattered,” said Mayor Luc Provençal in a statement. “There are no words to express the sorrow we feel. We extend our deepest sympathies to Ms. Gilbert and all those grieving this unimaginable loss.”
Vigils are being organized by residents, with one candlelight gathering planned for Wednesday evening at the Beauceville town square. Attendees are being encouraged to bring flowers, drawings, or messages of love to place at a memorial for the family.
Investigation Ongoing
The Sûreté du Québec is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the vehicle carrying the family veered into oncoming traffic for unknown reasons. Authorities have ruled out alcohol or drug involvement, but mechanical failure or a medical episode has not been ruled out.
The driver of the second vehicle, a 45-year-old man from Saint-Georges, suffered serious injuries and remains hospitalized in stable condition. Investigators have spoken to witnesses and are reviewing footage from nearby traffic cameras to gain clarity on how the tragic sequence unfolded.
A Legacy of Love
As tributes pour in, so too do stories of the girls’ joyful spirits—one known for her bright laughter, another for her love of art, and the youngest for her deep affection for animals.
“They were beautiful girls, inside and out,” said one of their teachers. “Full of curiosity and light. They brought smiles wherever they went.”
For Natacha Gilbert, the road ahead will be marked by an indescribable grief, but she is surrounded by a community that stands ready to support her in any way possible. Fundraisers have already been launched to assist with funeral expenses and grief counseling.
This tragedy has not only robbed a mother of her children—it has also left a lasting impact on a community that now must come together in mourning, remembrance, and love.
Further updates will be provided as more details emerge about the cause of the accident and funeral arrangements. For now, Beauceville remains united in sorrow and solidarity.