Ontario mother with three children killed in 2015 drunk driving crash posts “last family photo”

A Canadian mother of three whose lives were cut short in a tragic 2015 drunken car accident has shared her “last family photo” on social media.

Jennifer Neville-Lake’s emotional post on Friday gave a glimpse into the precious moments she spent with her family, whose lives changed forever eight years ago following an accident involving drunk driver Marco Muzzo.

The Ontario mother recalled her last family photo, which included children Daniel, Harrison and Milly, and her late husband Edward Lake.

“Eight years ago today we took our last family photo in Harry’s classroom,” Neville-Lake wrote in her social media post on Friday. “According to the clock, less than 24 hours later we would be picking up our first new vehicle in 10 years, our family minivan.”

On Instagram, she also reflected on the time she was able to spend with her family.

“I remember how much fun the kids had at the barbecue, laughing with some of the other parents and joking about joining the minivan brigade,” the mother said. “How much fun Daniel had showing us his classroom, how Milly had hidden from Ed in the library just before this photo was taken, how excited Harry was to show us his new photo of his long hair on the classroom wall.”

She went on to say how “proud” she was to see her children growing up.

“I just don’t think I have the words to express how much I wish I could go back to this photo and just stay there,” she concluded her post, adding hashtags like “#missthemlikecrazy,” “#proudnanay” and “#consequencesmatter.”

Neville-Lake’s post attracted widespread attention on social media, with users expressing their condolences and solidarity.

“Beautiful family photo, hold on to the memories and draw strength from them. Send me a hug,” commented one user on Instagram.

“No words can describe the pain you feel every day. Your pain is immeasurable. My heart is filled with sorrow for you,” wrote another user.

“Oh, Jenn. I’m so, so sorry. You have the most beautiful family,” someone said divided on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I hope you know they are watching over you. Thank you for all your advocacy work against drunk driving (MADD). You are a strong woman who inspires many, never forget that.”

“This picture of you and your beautiful family makes me smile, but it makes me very sad and angry for you,” said someone else replied. “This isn’t fair, she and you don’t deserve this. We think about you so often and so many of us wish we could change things for you. Sending you healing thoughts and love.”

A tragic incident

On September 27, 2015, Neville-Lake’s sons, nine-year-old Daniel and five-year-old Harrison, along with their two-year-old daughter Milly, were killed by drunk driver Marco Muzzo in Vaughan, Ontario. The children’s 65-year-old grandfather, Gary Neville, also died in the car crash, and their maternal grandmother and great-grandmother were seriously injured.

Muzzo was driving at 55 mph after he ignored a stop sign and collided with the family’s minivan, which he had just returned from his bachelor party in the United States.

In March 2016, Muzzo was sentenced to ten years in prison and a twelve-year driving ban. He pleaded guilty to four counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol causing death and two counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol causing bodily harm.

He was granted full parole in February 2021.

Last June, Neville-Lake posted on social media that her husband, Edward Lake, had also died.

“The eyes he shared with Harry are forever closed. Daniel’s curls will never again glisten in the sunlight. I will never see Milly’s shy smile on his lips,” Neville-Lake wrote in that post. “My children’s father, Edward Lake, has joined our children so they can play together forever.”

During Muzzo’s sentencing in 2016, Lake said in a statement that he had suffered from suicidal thoughts and anxiety since the accident.

Officers with the Peel Regional Police responded to an incident at the family’s home in Brampton, Ontario, on Father’s Day 2022 and ultimately detained Lake overnight. He was released the next morning until police were called a second time and found his body there.