A former Sudbury woman is one of three cyclists who were killed in an traffic accident in Rougement, Que. May 14.
Lyn Duhamel, an avid triathlete, was biking down Highway 112 in Quebec, en route to a training camp with four other women and a man.
The group was struck by a pick-up truck, travelling in the same direction. Media reports have stated the driver had fallen asleep behind the wheel.
Two of the women — Sandra de la Garza Aguilar, 36, and Christine Deschamps, 44 — were also killed in the incident, while the remainder of the group were sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Duhamel was born and raised in Sudbury. A graduate of Collège Notre-Dame and Laurentian University, the 39-year-old moved to Montreal to practice nursing in the oncology department at the Jewish General Hospital, then at l' Hopital Maisonneuve-Rosemont. She was recently made head nurse at Le Lux Gouverneur retirement home.
She was living an active life in Boucherville, Que., as a passionate triathlon and Ironman athlete, according to her obituary. Among her accomplishments were five Ironman triathlons, two Boston Marathons and numerous other races. She was training for the upcoming Penticton Ironman Canada at the time of the accident.
“Lyn was a fiery, energetic, spirited soul who inspired many with her encouraging, uplifting, positive words,” her obituatry stated. “She loved and lived life to its fullest. She was a generous, giving and caring nurse who helped many deal with grief — an angel to all of her patients.
“Her work ethics were to be admired. Lyn was a fit competitor who loved to help and train others in attaining their goals.”
She leaves behind her husband, Marc Flageole, and stepdaughter Marianne, her parents and sister, who both still live in Sudbury, another sister and a brother.
A visitation will be held for Duhamel May 20 at the Complexe Funéraire-Tétreault in Boucherville, Que., from 2-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. The funeral service will be held May 21, at 11 a.m. at the Paroisse de la Sainte-Famille, also in Boucherville. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
