Sainte‑Marie, Québec, is mourning the loss of 13‑year‑old Xavier Landry Rousseau, whose death in a school bus accident on Saturday morning March 7, 2026 has shaken the entire Chaudière‑Appalaches region. Xavier was known as a dedicated karate student and an active member of several youth groups, including the cadets, with whom he was traveling at the time of the tragedy.
The fatal crash occurred on route de la Grande‑Ligne Nord in Sainte‑Rose‑de‑Watford, a rural area in the Chaudière‑Appalaches region. The school bus was transporting Xavier and other cadets to a planned competition when it reportedly skidded, leading to the deadly accident. What was meant to be a day of teamwork and achievement instead became a moment of heartbreak for families, first responders, and the broader community.
Emergency crews arrived quickly, but the severity of the crash left little that could be done to save Xavier. The news spread rapidly through Sainte‑Marie and surrounding towns, prompting an immediate outpouring of grief. Flowers, messages, and tributes were placed outside the secondary school Xavier attended, as classmates and teachers struggled to process the sudden loss of a young life filled with promise.
Community members described Xavier as a boy who carried himself with maturity beyond his years. His involvement in cadets, karate, and other activities reflected his drive to learn, grow, and contribute. Friends recalled his bright spirit and his ability to bring people together, while adults admired his discipline and the respect he showed to everyone around him. His death has been felt not only by those who knew him personally but also by many who recognized the impact he had on local youth programs.
As investigators continue to examine the circumstances of the crash, the region remains united in grief. Support networks have formed around Xavier’s family and the other young cadets who were on the bus, many of whom are coping with trauma and shock. The tragedy has also renewed conversations about road safety in rural Québec, particularly during winter conditions that can make travel unpredictable.
In the days following the accident, the Chaudière‑Appalaches community has come together to honor Xavier’s memory, emphasizing compassion, solidarity, and remembrance. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the programs he enriched, and the spirit of resilience he embodied. Though his journey was cut short, the impact of his presence continues to resonate deeply across Sainte‑Marie and beyond.