Family of pregnant Mount Brydges woman to sue after fatal 2017 collision

A local law firm is held news conference Friday to outline the legal action it’s taking in the wake of a young pregnant woman’s death two years ago.

Rachel Joris, 26, of Mount Brydges was behind the wheel when her eastbound vehicle came around a blind corner on Glendon Drive at Troops Road.

The woman slammed into a 53-foot trailer hauled by a farm tractor turning left from Troops onto Glendon. A release from Joris’ family’s law firm states the driver of the tractor was an unlicensed 15-year-old.

Joris, who was pregnant with her first child at the time, was pronounced dead in hospital.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Rachel,” said Rudi Joris, father of the victim.

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During Friday’s conference, he was accompanied by the victim’s mother, Sheila Joris, along with Richard Tusch, the fiancé of the victim.

“I’ve been lost at word for two years and I still don’t know what direction to go in now,” Tusch said.

“I still don’t know how to deal with it. Just take it day by day I guess.”

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Representing Joris’ estate is Phillip Millar of Millars Law.

“The family wants to help stop this from happening again,” Millar said, adding that the family will be arguing against what they see as outdated regulations for farm vehicles on roadways.

Defendants in the lawsuit include Middlesex County, where the crash occurred, and the family of the 15-year-old driver involved.

Millar says along with reviews of farm vehicle laws, Joris’ family will also be seeking financial compensation.

A statement of claim obtained Global News Radio 980 CFPL states the family is seeing $1-million in damages under the family law act, another $100,000 in damages for nervous shock and special damages “in an amount to be disclosed before trial.”

“If you want to get change… you have to make noise. The only way to make noise is through a lawsuit,” Millar said.

Global News Radio 980 CFPL has reached to Middlesex County. Chief administrative officer Bill Rayburn said they will not be commenting on the matter at this time.