Humbolt Broncos bus crash survivor to visit Fort Frances

It was an accident that shook Canada’s hockey community and the country from coast to coast.

Sixteen members of the Humboldt Broncos junior A hockey team were killed, while 13 others were injured in April 2018 after their team bus came into collision with a transport that failed to stop at a stop sign.

Among the injured was Tyler Smith.

Smith comes to Fort Frances on Monday to speak about that accident and his healing journey, including that of his mental health.

Smith says it took about nine months after the accident to realize he needed help.

“I was so consumed with trying to make sure nobody else knew that I was struggling and knew I was in pain,” says Smith.

“But I think what I came to realize after I finally asked for help was how much that it was starting to affect the people around me and how much it started to affect my relationships and conversations of my lack of care for my own mental health.”

Smith opted for counselling and is grateful for the opportunity to sit in a room with his counsellor to just share.

“I think that’s something that she just created a space right from the jump that made me feel very welcomed and accepted. And I think that ultimately helped me start to embrace other things and start to embrace other people again and ultimately get back on the journey of life.”

Smith’s visit to Fort Frances coincides with Men’s Health Awareness Month and Diabetes Awareness Month.

The Rainy River District Ontario Health Team (RRDOHT), along with other agencies, are hosting what they call Conversations for Mind and Body: A Community Health Awareness Event.

It will include an interactive Health & Wellness Showcase with Smith as the keynote speaker.

The showcase will feature a range of local healthcare organizations, community groups and wellness advocates to discuss available supports and services.

Smith has made close to 250 similar public appearances but never envisioned himself as a speaker.

He admits some of his friends or family members have never heard him speak.

“I’m just very grateful for the opportunity that people want to hear me speak. I think for me, I’ve learned a lot about myself within the speaking journey. And I’ve learned a lot about balance and setting boundaries and learning when to say no.”

He has also started a clothing line called Not Alone to help promote the importance of mental health, with proceeds going to support various charities and foundations.

“I think swapping mental health messaging on hoodies and hats is a good way to spark those conversations and allow people to wear their vulnerability proudly.”

To ensure everyone can enjoy Smith’s presentation, a livestream has been set up with registration through the RRDOHT’s website. Click here.

“We’re putting together a positive, informative and inspirational package for our Fort Frances residents and others in the district who can make the trip,” says Amanda Roy, Communications Lead for the RRDOHT.

“As a group dedicated to connecting care across our district, it was important to us to make district-wide participation possible for the keynote, and we’re excited to be able to offer that livestream option to people as far out as Atikokan and Rainy River.

The event takes place at the Fort Frances High School’s cafeteria, starting at 4 p.m., with Smith scheduled to take to the stage at Townshend Theatre at 6:30 p.m.