January 2002 - Nr. 1
Mark Dubois Injured
In Car Accident
Opera York’s Artistic Director, tenor star, Mark DuBois, was injured in a car accident on December 28. He and his wife, Maria, who is due to have their baby in February, were on their way to the funeral of James Birrell in Peterborough.
James Birrell, the 8 year old son of Syd and Pam Birrell, died after a 4 year struggle with neuroblastoma. Syd Birrell and Mark DuBois have been friends for many years. Birrell is the conductor of the Peterborough Singers, with whom DuBois has sung very frequently. He was scheduled to sing with the Singers at the boy’s funeral.
About 20 kilometres outside Peterborough, DuBois’ car hit some ice and flipped over. Miraculously, Maria DuBois was completely uninjured and her unborn child declared safe from harm.
Unfortunately, DuBois himself was badly injured with severe lacerations to his face and extensive bruising to his body. They were taken to Peterborough Hospital where DuBois underwent emergency surgery. Luckily, a plastic surgeon was on hand. He put in more than 100 stitches to DuBois’ face and head, and was successful in reattaching the temple muscles which were cut in the accident.
Mr. and Mrs. DuBois told us that, while they were in their car after the accident, waiting for the ambulance, a lady crawled into the car through the back window. She made her way to the front, where she applied a blanket to DuBois’ head which was bleeding profusely. She kept talking to the both of them, in an effort to reassure them and keep DuBois awake in case of concussion. At the moment, they do not know who their benefactor was.
When they arrived to Peterborough Hospital, they realized that their Golden Retriever, Samson, who had also been travelling with them, was missing. They were told that he had been seen running away from the accident across a field.
When they were discharged the next morning, a friend came from Hockley Valley, where they live, to fetch them home. Their dog was still missing.
So, the members of the Peterborough Singers went to the site of the accident with walkie-talkies on a search for Samson. And they found him. He had stayed near the place of the accident, waiting for his family to come for him. He is now safely back home.
At the time of going to press, DuBois has been booked back in hospital for further surgery.
In spite of the fact that, although his vocal chords and throat were not damaged, his facial injuries will prohibit his performing for some time, he is still functioning in the administration of his position as Artistic Director.
The scheduled Seniors’ Concert for Jan. 10 will go ahead. DuBois is determined that the plans for Opera York will not be disrupted.
