Simcoe man's tropical island nightmare finally over
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Posted By BARBARA SIMPSON
Posted 1 month ago
A rollercoaster week of emotions has now ended on a positive upswing for the Flynn-Mercier family.
On Sunday, their relative Roger died tragically after being pinned under his tractor-mower. A day after his funeral, the Flynn- Merciers received another, albeit positive surprise -- their nephew, cousin and neighbour Cody LeCompte will be escaping his tropical island nightmare.
The 19-year-old Simcoe man will now be able to return to Canada following a meeting with Cuban authorities on Wednesday. LeCompte has been detained at a Cuban resort for the past 13 weeks. He was driving a rental car on the tropical island when it collided with a dump truck at the end of April.
Cuban officials now plan to release the recent Holy Trinity graduate in exchange for the promise to appear at a future trial if need be. The LeCompte family also posted a $2,000 bail. Cody is expected to return to Canada next Tuesday.
"I just actually texted (Cody's mother) Danette saying the phone is ringing off the hook with news people asking when the plane will be arriving," laughed Sherri Flynn, Cody's aunt and neighbour.
She and her family have been leading the charge in supporting the LeCompte family back home. The Flynn-Merciers set up a bank account to collect donations for Cody's mounting living and legal expenses. These costs now ring to the tune of $30,000.
The Flynn-Merciers are now planning a royal welcome home for Cody. They plan to be lining the streets near his home when the LeCompte family pulls into their driveway. They are encouraging the public to join in the celebration.
While preparations are underway for his royal welcome, Cody's sudden release is still a bit of a shock, Flynn admits.
"I guess until his feet hit Canadian soil, we're all still on eggshells," she explained.
This cautious approach is also how Debbie Laevens of Bridge Yachts is handling the news. The Port Dover business has employed Cody throughout his high school career.
"I won't feel totally safe until I see him here," she said Thursday.
Staff, however, couldn't help but feed off the excitement about his expected return. It was all the buzz at the busy yacht business in the beachside community Thursday morning.
"We're on Cloud 9 around here," Laevens said, before passing the phone off to fellow staff.
Bridge Yachts has also been a part of local fundraising efforts for Cody. It set up a donation jar that became popular with longtime customers who recall the good-natured staff member.
"We had customers come in just because of the publicity," said Shelley Gilmour, a coworker of Cody.
Staff has been missing Cody who is "great to work with," she added. He is a fast learner who is receptive to feedback.
With Cody expected to attend Sault College in the fall, the decision to start -- and finish -- his summer employment will be left up to him, Laevens added. She expects Cody may need some time to recover from the ordeal.
The news proved to be the right tune for Gilmour to start her day. She awoke to the news this morning.
"The radio comes on," Gilmour recalled, "and I heard, 'Cody's coming home.'"
Cuban officials are now expediting the process following comments made by Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas). The minister hinted that holding a Canadian this long could have implications for Cuban tourism.
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