Devon Ray Ernest, is home following the bus rollover in Alberta that claimed the life of his girlfriend Dionne Jocelyn Durocher. (submitted photo/Devon Ray Ernest)

By Josh Ryan

Recovery and mourning

Battlefords man home with family after bus rollover

Jul 22, 2020 | 2:34 PM

Devon Ray Ernest is finally home in the Battlefords from his trip to the Columbia Icefields in Western Alberta. However, he arrived without two people who took the vacation with him.

Dionne Jocelyn Durocher, Ernest’s girlfriend, was killed July 18 when their tour bus rolled over an embankment, killing two other passengers. His cousin Wyndi remains in hospital nursing several injuries, including a fractured shoulder bone.

Ernest told battlefordsNOW he’s feeling better than the last few days, but he’s still feeling pain and soreness in his back, legs and chest.

“My head’s still throbbing and I’m still dizzy from being [knocked] unconscious,” Ernest said. “Feels like my heart aches.”

Ernest and Durocher were together for two years and went to Alberta to celebrate his birthday. Since getting back to Saskatchewan, he’s having trouble not thinking of her in everything he sees as the two were inseparable.

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“I came to my dad’s place, which has a paintball course, and it just made me cry, because we’d always be playing paintball, or [other] games,” he said. “I do everything with her.”

“Playing games is one of my safest places. Now it’s not.”

(submitted photo/Devon Ray Ernest)

His brother and father have been by his side and will be for the immediate future. Ernest said he’s grateful for the love and support he’s received from family and friends, as well as from hundreds of people online. Grappling with the loss and regret in taking the tour, he said he feels for Durocher’s family during this time.

“I love them so, so much,” Ernest said. “And I’m so sorry to bring this to them.”

Ernest has called for a safety overhaul, including the addition of seatbelts, following the incident. The investigation of the rollover continues, with RCMP working to keep the vehicle relatively unaffected by removal.

Ernest said his cousin is improving and will recover. A spiritual person, he and others are praying for Durocher as she passes on.

“I want people to pray for her to have a safe journey through the spirit world,” he said. “That’s my best wish.”

A wake for Durocher, as well as a funeral, are planned for the next few days. Ernest said he’s trying to be strong for her, as that’s what she would’ve wanted.

“I’m just trying my best here for now,” he said. “I’ve been crying for three or four days.”

And while his physical symptoms may lessen in the coming days, Ernest doesn’t know what else the future holds as he mourns the love of his life.

“I miss her. I love her so much.”

—

josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports