'Thank you, Lord': Father grounds son, spares him joyride that killed 2, injured 2 others

When IsaacLemaygot themessage Sunday night inviting him to join five friends for a drive, his father orderedhim to bed instead.

It turned out to be a move that might have saved the 13-year-old's life.

Around 2 a.m. Monday, the 15-year-old behind the wheel of the car lost control on a curve alongBase-de-Roc Boulevard nearJoliette, north ofMontreal,andcrashed into a tree.

Two passengers, a 14-year-old and 17-year-old, died. The other two passengers, aged 13 and 16, were taken to hospital in critical condition.

"If I had been in the car,I may not be here talkingright now," Isaac told CBC News on Monday.

'It's a trip for young people'

His father AlainLemaysaidhe had groundedIsaac after catching him tryingto sneak out Saturday night. When the invitation came from his friends on Sunday, Lemaydecided to extend his son's punishment.

"He was supposed to go, but given that I'd caught him Saturday night, he wasn't there,"Lemaysaid.

Looking upward,Lemaythen said"Thank you, Lord."

After learning of the crash, Isaac admitted to his fatherthat he'dbeen on a similar high-speed ride just lastweek.

"It's that feeling of freedom," Isaac explained to reporters Monday."It's a trip for young people, and it can often turn out wrong."

"You can't fool yourself into thinking it only happens to other people. I've nowgot the proof two of my friends are dead."

Isaac and AlainLemayvisited the crash site Monday to pay their respects. The father also spoke with the parents of the 14-year-old who died.

"I just took them in my arms,"Lemaysaid.

Possibility of charges

The driver, who was too young to be legally allowed to drive, sustained minor injuries, and has been released from hospital.

Alcohol was ruled out as a factor in the crash, but Quebec provincial police are looking into the possibility the driver was speeding.

The driver could face criminal charges,including dangerousdriving causing death and criminal negligence causing death.

He was released from police custody and is due back inJolietteyouth court Nov. 22.