The trial of a former bar server, charged after four teen hockey players were involved in a tragic single-vehicle crash two years ago, is causing rifts in the usually close community of Renfrew, Ont., with residents taking sides in this potentially “precedent-setting” case.
Ann Senack, 62, from Greater Madawaska Township was charged in March with two counts of criminal negligence causing death and two counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. At the time of the October 2017 accident near Burnstown that claimed the lives of Brandon Hanniman and Alex Paquette, she worked as a server at Shooters Bar and Grill in Calabogie, Ont.
Both Hanniman and Paquette, who were 18 years old, played for the Renfrew Timberwolves along with two other teens who suffered injuries in the crash.
According to Ontario Provincial Police, all four had been drinking prior to the incident. Shortly afterward, Shooters Bar and Grill lost its liquor license.
Alex Paquette, left, died in hospital following a car crash near Burnstown, Ont., in October 2017. The driver, Brandon Hanniman, right, was pronounced dead at the scene. (Renfrew Timberwolves/Supplied)
![]()
Brent Sylvester, general manager of the Renfrew Timberwolves said they were just starting to feel ready to move past this tragedy when charges against Senack surfaced. (Laura Osman/CBC)
“It’s just a terrible situation to be in again after some healing has taken place. And now it’s raw again,” Sylvester said.
“I think that a lot of people are in a fog because they don’t know which side to be on.”</br The memories of Hanniman and Paquette still linger strongly; however reliving those painful moments has been tough on teammates according to Sylvester.
Additionally difficult is how some supporters of Senack have placed blame solely onto these boys asserting they alone must take responsibility for what happened.
“Unfortunately everybody’s going through this ordeal,” he added softly. “And that’s really unfortunate.”
Tension Grows Amid Grief
In Renfrew’s bars, sports fields and hockey arenas, everyone seems to have an opinion about that fateful night – although few are willing to express them openly given how small the town is. Most locals also have connections to either the boys’ families or Senack. Some residents who preferred not to share their names told CBC they were puzzled as to how underage boys could access alcohol at the bar and then be allowed to drive home. Others argued that the teenagers should bear full responsibility for their choices. I think that a lot of people are in a fog because they don’t know which side to be on.- Brent Sylvester, Renfrew Timberwolves Initially, there was widespread heartbreak when news broke about the teens being killed while returning from Calabogie due to what appeared to be a drunk driving accident on Calabogie Road just after midnight. According to police reports, only one of the four boys was wearing a seatbelt during the crash. Ben Scheuneman sustained serious injuries while Jake Mc Grimmon – whose father owned the Timberwolves back then – wore his seatbelt and didn’t suffer any lasting harm. After losing Hanniman and Paquette, town members came together to support both boys’ families. No family members wanted interviews but Paquette’s mother Joanne shared her feelings with CBC about missing her son who brought joy into her life and made her laugh. “He was also by far the one person you could count on to have your back,” she wrote. “Alex always looked out for the little guy.”Painful Memories Resurface
Renfrew is often called “the birthplace of hockey.” This year during all Timberwolves home games held in this hockey-loving town; images representing retired jerseys for both Hanniman and Paquette hang above as memorials. The players continue honoring their fallen teammates by writing their jersey numbers on their sticks as tribute since both boys were popular on their team and well-loved by friends at school. Timberwolves general manager Brent Sylvester noted that they were beginning to heal from their sorrow when news about charges against Senack emerged again bringing everything back up.“It’s just a terrible situation to be in again after some healing has taken place. And now it’s raw again,” Sylvester said.
“I think that a lot of people are in a fog because they don’t know which side to be on.”</br The memories of Hanniman and Paquette still linger strongly; however reliving those painful moments has been tough on teammates according to Sylvester.
Additionally difficult is how some supporters of Senack have placed blame solely onto these boys asserting they alone must take responsibility for what happened.
“Unfortunately everybody’s going through this ordeal,” he added softly. “And that’s really unfortunate.”
$50K Raised For Senack’s Legal Fees
A number within communities like Renfrew & Calabogie quickly came forward supporting Ann’s defense by describing her as an essential part of Shooters-the key bar located within this small ski area.(Police haven’t yet confirmed whether she indeed worked there.) Shooters closed following crash incident but reopened later under new ownership with different restaurant branding altogether! Your average resident thought things might settle down post-tragedy until OPP officially filed charges against Ann last month!Neighbors rallied immediately raising over $50k aiding towards legal expenses related towards defending Ann!
“Here in Calabogie we’re behind Ann 100 percent!” exclaimed Kevin Lentz-Senacks neighbor!
Lentz pointed out feeling distressed witnessing how unfairly treated Ann seemed throughout entire process adding “It’s such an amazing community yet it saddens me seeing folks divided.”
“I can’t stand watching poor Ann having gone through so much,” he said emotionally recognizing impact charges had made upon everyone involved!
This Case Might Change Things
Civil lawsuits against bars happen frequently surrounding incidents involving drunk driving-but facing criminal charges remains uncommon stated James Foord-a defense lawyer formerly serving President role within Defense Counsel Association operating out Ottawa region currently.“Convictions concerning cases like these remain rare; I’m unaware about anything previously happening across Ontario,” he stated confidently regarding potential repercussions arising should judge rule favorably outcome emerges here if judged correctly!”
Foord explained proving criminal negligence becomes tricky; evidence must demonstrate that particular individuals recognized minors attempting obtain drinks yet encouraged them continue indulging anyways instead stopping completely!!!James Foord expressed opinions regarding civil suits common place surrounding intoxicated drivers -yet prosecutions rarely occur!(Laura Osman/CBC)
Source link
