The 14-year-old teenager fatally struck Monday evening in Ahuntsic-Cartierville while riding on his electronic scooter had just received the wheeled machine for his birthday, he who had been dreaming of it for months.
• Read also: Teenager on electric scooter succumbs to his injuries
On Monday, shortly before 7 p.m., Al Housseini Diacko was heading home after a Saint-Jean-Baptiste celebration at Parc de Mésy, about 100 meters from his home. His mother, sister and younger brother were following behind. But as he was crossing Rue Lachapelle on a green light, at the corner of Rue Émile-Nelligan, he was violently hit by a car. He died a few hours later in hospital.
Photo courtesy Diacko Family
The death of Al Housseini Diacko, 14, sparked an extraordinary wave of support this week.
To pay tribute to their son, a brilliant and generous child, his parents received The newspaper in their small apartment, Thursday. Despite the dozen people crammed into the living room, a heavy silence weighs. The teenager’s parents hug and cry. Their friends rush to hand them tissues, but they don’t provide any, the tears are too many.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Aminata Diacko, the boy’s mother, sat on the floor during the interview and never stopped crying.
To show the generosity of his son, Mamadou Diacko tells us a story.
When his son was 12, he overheard his parents discussing the fact that they would have difficulty sending money to their family in Mauritania. The next day, Al Housseini asked his father about the legal working age. Even though he was against it, the teenager had decided to find a small job.
“Usually, young people of this age want to buy a cell phone,” says Mr. Diacko. “My son wanted to help his mom and dad.”
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
With red eyes, Mamadou Diacko struggles to talk about his son, who brightened up their small apartment just three days ago.
Support without borders
Since the accident, Mamadou and Aminata Diacko have never been left alone. Members of their community take turns visiting them.
“I’ve been in Quebec for 22 years and I’ve never seen so much support,” says Ba Abdoulaye, a great friend of the family. “And this support has no color, no religion. They’ve had visits from Africans, Afghans, Jews, the school principal, teachers, students. It shows how much Al Housseini and his parents are people with their hearts on their sleeves.”
To get to soccer
A great soccer player, the 14-year-old asked for an electric scooter for his birthday in April in order to get to his training sessions and games. His parents, for whom finances are sometimes difficult, budgeted carefully in order to be able to offer it to him.
“If only we had known…” says Aminata Diacko, interrupted by uncontrollable sobs.
At the time of the accident, the teenager was not wearing a helmet.
“He always took it,” assures M.me Diacko. But that night we were so close to home, he decided not to bring her and I was taking care of the others so I didn’t pay attention.”
Photo ANOUK LEBEL
The SPVM investigation is continuing to determine whether charges should be filed.
According to Montreal police, no charges have yet been laid against the driver. The investigation continues to determine whether criminal elements, such as speed or distraction, could have played a role.
