Tearful Court Testimony From Twin of Boy That Was Found dead in Niagara Collision”

Tearful Court Testimony From Twin of Boy Killed in Niagara Crash

Niagara, ON – A courtroom fell silent as the surviving twin of a 13-year-old Niagara boy killed in a devastating head-on collision delivered a raw, emotional victim impact statement this week. With trembling hands and a voice cracking under the weight of unimaginable grief, the boy shared how his brother’s death shattered his life and left a void no one can fill.

“We did everything together,” the twin said through tears. “He was my best friend, my other half. And now, I’m alone.”

The fatal crash occurred last November on a rural stretch of Highway 58 near Welland. Police say a 37-year-old man, later identified as Brian Calder, crossed the center line and struck the family’s vehicle head-on. The impact killed 13-year-old Jason Michaels instantly. His twin brother, Jordan, along with their mother, survived but suffered serious injuries.

Calder, who was found to be under the influence of alcohol and speeding at the time of the collision, pleaded guilty to impaired driving causing death and bodily harm. Tuesday’s sentencing hearing brought the community together as friends, family, and neighbors packed the courtroom to support the grieving family.

“My World Changed in an Instant”

In his statement, Jordan Michaels recounted the final moments he spent with his brother. “We were talking about what we’d do over the winter break. We both wanted to go skating and build snow forts like we did every year. And then… everything just went black.”

When he regained consciousness in the hospital, Jordan said he immediately asked for his brother. A nurse held his hand and delivered the news no child should ever hear.

“I thought I was dreaming,” he said. “I thought if I just closed my eyes again, I’d wake up and he’d be there.”

His voice broke as he described the deep psychological toll of losing not just a sibling, but a twin — someone who shared every birthday, every laugh, every late-night talk.

“He was the one who helped me when I was scared. Now, I wake up at night calling for him. I still set a place for him at breakfast sometimes, before I remember.”

A Mother’s Grief

Their mother, Allison Michaels, also gave a statement, her hands clutching a small photograph of her two sons smiling at a summer baseball game.

“I lost my son, and my surviving child lost a part of himself,” she said. “Every day, I have to watch Jordan carry a pain no child should carry.”

Allison recounted the chaos of the crash and the helplessness she felt being trapped in the wreckage, unable to reach her children.

“No sentence will bring Jason back. But I pray this court understands the magnitude of what was taken from us.”

Defendant Expresses Remorse

When given the opportunity to speak, Calder rose slowly from his seat, his voice low and apologetic.

“I know there is nothing I can say to undo the pain I’ve caused,” he said. “I was reckless, and because of that, a beautiful young life was lost. I will live with that guilt for the rest of my life.”

His legal team requested a reduced sentence, citing his previously clean record, remorse, and willingness to undergo rehabilitation. But the Crown argued that his actions reflected a gross disregard for human life.

“This was not a momentary lapse in judgment,” said Crown attorney Megan LeClair. “This was a conscious decision to get behind the wheel intoxicated, which led to a tragedy that could have been avoided.”

A Community in Mourning

Jason’s death reverberated far beyond his immediate family. Teachers, classmates, and community members described him as kind-hearted, funny, and always eager to help others.

“He was the type of kid who stayed behind to clean up after class,” said his Grade 7 teacher, Mr. Reyes. “He had this way of making everyone feel like they mattered.”

A memorial now stands at the crash site — a wooden cross adorned with photos, flowers, and notes from classmates.

“He was a light in our lives,” said a close friend who attended the hearing. “It still doesn’t feel real.”

An Ongoing Healing Process

Jordan, now attending grief counseling, says he’s learning to cope one day at a time. He wears a bracelet with Jason’s name on it and keeps a journal filled with memories and letters he writes to his brother.

“Some days are harder than others,” he said after the hearing. “But I promised Jason I’d keep going. I want to live in a way that honors him.”

His therapist, Dr. Laura Kim, emphasized the unique nature of twin loss. “It’s like losing a limb. There’s a constant sense of phantom pain,” she said. “We’re working with Jordan to build resilience, while never denying the depth of his grief.”

Awaiting Sentencing

Justice Deborah Simons will deliver Calder’s sentence next week. Legal experts predict he could face between 7 to 12 years in prison, depending on mitigating and aggravating factors.

As the hearing concluded, the Michaels family exited quietly, supported by relatives and counselors. A statement released by the family urged others to think twice before driving under the influence.

“If Jason’s death can stop even one person from making the same mistake,” it read, “then maybe some good can come out of this heartbreak.”

For Jordan, life will never be the same. But as he continues to heal, he hopes others will understand the devastating ripple effects of one reckless choice.

“He wasn’t just my brother,” Jordan said in closing. “He was my twin, my mirror. And now, I have to learn how to live with only half of myself.”