Bergeron was unable to avoid the crash Friday morning, but he did what he could to make sure everyone else survived, according to the family.
“My dad swerved his arm just enough for that car to hit him directly so that my daughter would still be here today,” said Amie Bergeron, his daughter.
Bergeron was traveling with his 47-year-old wife, daughter and eight-year-old granddaughter Raleigh.
The family was on their way to pick up sparklers on Canada Day when their minivan collided with a truck carrying a trailer, reportedly filled with cement bricks, at the intersection of Baseline Road and Merivale Road.
“He died on impact, he didn’t suffer,” Aime Bergeron continued.
“He was a hero. He turned that car in a split second to save my daughter, to save his wife and to save me, his three girls. He saved us.”
Bergeron’s actions come as no surprise to his family. They say he was always a selfless person, delivering food to friends and family in need and caring for those around him.
Tom Bergeron with his granddaughter Ryleigh. Tom Bergeron was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Ottawa’s west end on Canada Day. (Submitted)
He was a loving husband and father, but it was Ryleigh who captured his heart.
The pair were inseparable troublemakers and best friends.
“He would get in that bed with my daughter and she would roll over him and they would watch TV together and eat snacks. He gave every day for that little girl,” said Aime Bergeron.
Ottawa police are investigating the collision and are asking anyone who saw the collision or who may have dash cam footage to contact them.
A GoFundMe fundraising campaign has been set up to support the Bergeron family, but their message to others is to always be aware while behind the wheel.
“It’s not a game, it hurts, it hurts and it kills, just be safe on the road,” Bergeron said.
