A family in Greater Sudbury, northern Ontario, is facing a challenging journey to recovery after a 14-year-old boy was severely injured in an assault at a skate park, leading to charges against two individuals. Stephanie Labrosse shared that her son, Kaleb O’Neil, sustained a severe concussion, a broken cheekbone, three stitches on his upper lip, a broken arm, and a nose injury requiring surgery. Kaleb will need ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation, with the incident impacting his emotional well-being in addition to his physical recuperation.
Labrosse emphasized the importance of sharing their story publicly to raise awareness. She revealed that Kaleb is struggling to feel safe in public spaces and will not be returning to in-person school this fall. The boy, who had already been coping with emotional challenges following the loss of his father and grandmother, recounted being attacked while out for a bike ride on July 31.
Following the assault, which left Kaleb with visible injuries, two individuals, 18-year-old Skyler Caron and a 14-year-old whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, were arrested and charged with aggravated assault and making threats. The accused have not yet entered a plea, according to information from the Sudbury Courthouse.
Labrosse described the profound impact of the attack on their family, with Kaleb now hesitant to venture out alone and opting for online schooling due to discomfort about potential encounters with those involved in the incident. The family has received support from victim services and plans to seek counseling to aid in their recovery process.
Labrosse also mentioned the toll the incident has taken on other family members, including Kaleb’s grandfather, who has sought counseling to cope with the trauma. While Labrosse expressed fear and mistrust following the attack, she acknowledged the outpouring of support from friends and strangers, providing a sense of solidarity during this difficult time. The family is focused on day-to-day healing, both physically and emotionally, as they navigate the aftermath of the assault.