Share
Sports

Humboldt player believed to have died in horrific crash returns home from hospital

Share

One can only imagine what the family of Xavier LaBelle has gone through.

The Humboldt Broncos defenseman was misidentified as a fatality from the team’s tragic bus crash back in April.

As traumatic as the experience has been for LaBelle’s loved ones, Friday was a highlight they’ll never forget.

Xavier walked out of the hospital, a major step in his recovery.

The courageous 18-year-old issued a statement updating his condition.

Trending:
Prince Harry Named in Major Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Against Rapper

“It was awful,” Xavier said, “but today I am able to walk and look forward to eventually running and skating. I am healing, and I am feeling better every day.”

Thanks to tutoring in the hospital, LaBelle is scheduled to graduate from high school later this month.

Perhaps as a blessing, Xavier has no recollection of the crash, or the ensuing two weeks. He suffered a fractured skull, with about 20 broken bones, 13 in his spine.

Of course, healing for the Humboldt family is a work in progress, and will be for a long time.

“Although all of the Bronco families and loved ones are still trying to come to terms with the magnitude of this loss, we are supporting each other as best as we can,” LaBelle said.

Authorities misidentified LaBelle as one of the 16 people who didn’t survive the crash, but the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice cleared up the confusion and announced it was Parker Tobin who had died.

Related:
Heated Moment Between UFC's Sean Strickland and 'Vampire Man' Machine Gun Kelly Goes Viral; Stars Have to Be Separated

This week was another major step for all of the Broncos.

“We believed in each other,” LaBelle said. “I believe people will never forget what happened to us. I believe we will get through this together.”

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →



We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:
, , ,
Share
Mike is an 11-time Michigan Emmy Award winner who has spent nearly 30 years working in sports media.
Mike has spent nearly 30 years in all aspects of sports media, including on-air, 10 at ESPN and another 10 at Fox Sports Detroit. He now works as a TV agent, and lives with his family in West Bloomfield, MI.
Birthplace
Sudbury, Massachusetts
Honors/Awards
11-time Michigan Emmy winner
Education
Emerson College
Books Written
The Longest Year: One Family's Journey Of Life, Death, And Love/If These Walls Could Talk: Detroit Tigers/If These Walls Could Talk: Detroit Lions
Topics of Expertise
Sports




Conversation