The sister of the surviving victim from a fatal Easter Sunday collision says her brother is recovering from his physical injuries, but that the emotional scars from losing his close friend are much harder to heal.
Sierra Joy, the eldest sister of 15-year-old Lukis Joy-Stoycheff, said her brother was riding an e-bike early Easter Sunday morning with his friend Connor Dunn when it was struck by a vehicle driven by an alleged impaired driver.
Both teenagers were rushed to hospital, where Dunn was later pronounced dead.
"His friendship with Connor was like they were brothers, they were very close to each other and together 24/7," Sierra told SooToday. Both teens were Grade 10 students at Korah Collegiate.
Dunn's life is being celebrated through a number of tributes. A funeral is scheduled for Saturday.
Lukis was treated in the intensive care unit at Sault Area Hospital for the first 24 hours after the collision, but Sierra said he has since been moved to another unit.
"He's doing a lot better," she said. "Definitely not 100 per cent, but better."
She said Lukis broke a leg in a number of places.
"Mostly his heart is broken for Connor and his family," said Sierra.
She also wanted to put to rest some misinformation swirling in the community about her brother's injuries.
"I have heard some rumours that people are saying he's having an amputation," she said. "He's not."
Because of his condition, Lukis has not yet been able to attend the roadside memorial for his friend at the site of the collision.
"I did leave flowers for him," said Sierra.
At Korah, students have been leaving get well soon messages for Lukis and there is a book they can sign. A bulletin board at the school is dedicated to both boys.
On Thursday, the man facing four charges in relation to the incident was released on bail.
Gregory Parise 18, is charged with impaired operation causing death, impaired operation causing bodily harm, dangerous operation causing death, and dangerous operation causing bodily harm.
None of the allegations have been tested in court and Parise is considered innocent until proven guilty.