Mother of child who drowned in Grand River sentenced to house arrest

The mother of a little boy who drowned after she drove onto a flooded road and failed to save him has been sentenced to house arrest for the death of her three-year-old son.

Michelle Hanson, 38, was given a two-year conditional sentence on Tuesday, followed by six months under a curfew.

She then faces one-year probation and a three-year driving probation.

In February of 2018, Hanson drove past a “road closed” sign during a period of heavy flooding by the Grand River near Orangeville.

Their van was pulled into the river, and the rushing water swept Kaden out of his mother’s arms. A toxicology report showed there was alcohol in Hanson’s system at the time.

Police and the community spent months searching for the young boy. Kaden’s body was found on April 13, 2018.

Hanson later pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing death. The Crown said Hanson did not deliberately endanger her son that night, rather her reckless disregard of his safety is attributable to alcohol. Hanson shed tears as the statement was read.

The Crown said there is no greater punishment than losing a child, and she will live with the consequences of her actions forever. Kaden’s father’s victim impact statement was read in court. In it, he said, “identifying Kaden’s tiny lifeless body is something no parent should have to do.”

Michelle Hanson was too emotional to speak in court. Her defence lawyer read her statement.

Hanson said she hopes the people who helped search for Kaden do not harden their hearts because of her actions.

What those people did to look for the child is heartwarming, and it would be a terrible thing for them to change their demeanor because of this.

Along with the sentence, Hanson will also have to undergo grief and substance abuse counselling.