Innisfail Crash

Filipino workers killed in Alberta crash named by police

The four Filipino workers killed by a suspected drunk driver Sunday in a crash near Innisfail, Alta., can now be identified.

Anthony Subong Castillon, 35, Joey Flores Mangonon, 35, Eden Dalu Biazon, 39, and Josefina Flores Velarde, 52, were killed when a Range Rover heading north in the southbound lanes of the QE II Highway slammed head-on into their vehicle.

Josephine Gaila Tamondong, 28, survived the crash and is in stable condition in an Edmonton hospital.

All five were workers from the Philippines who were living in Edmonton. Four, including three of those who died, worked at the Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel.

A 29-year-old man faces a number of charges in the crash.

Tyler James Stevens is charged with four counts each of impaired driving causing death, failing to provide a breath sample and criminal negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle causing death, plus one count each of impaired driving causing bodily harm and criminal negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.

Friends brought joy

The crash ended what was supposed be a happy trip for the group.

The five workers were travelling to the U.S. border in order for Tamondong to re-enter Canada as a permanent resident.

Rossel Macabagal was friends with the crash victims and worked with them at the hotel.

"They made us laugh. They bring us joy," he said. "They're always laughing, singing here at work."

Macabagal was closest to Mangonon, his roommate for about six months. The two men would watch basketball and play music when they weren't at work together.

Mangonon's wife had the couple's fourth child, the boy they had always prayed for, three months ago, Macabagal said.

Mangonon had never laid eyes on his son. Now his wife is facing a life without him.

"At first she don't want to accept it. She said it's a dream. She don't want to believe me," Macabagal said. "But just like yesterday, she sounds strong now. She's starting to accept it. She's just worrying about the kids' future."

A memorial service is planned for Sunday night. A fundraising effort is underway to ensure the workers can be buried in the Philippines.