Sudbury Family Devastated by $7,000 Theft at Sault Hotel

UPDATE: A Sudbury family is grappling with a devastating theft that occurred at the Delta Hotel in Sault Ste. Marie earlier this month. On a routine stop while en route to Thunder Bay, Mark Rivard discovered that thieves had smashed the rear window of his vehicle, stealing approximately $7,000 worth of personal belongings belonging to his son, Cam Rivard.

The incident unfolded on a Tuesday morning in August 2023, just as the Rivard family was preparing to continue their trip. Mark overheard conversations about a blue Subaru with a broken window in the parking lot, and his heart sank when he realized it was his own vehicle that had been targeted. “They pretty much emptied out the back of the vehicle,” he recounted, visibly shaken by the sight.

Among the stolen items were items that held significant emotional value for Cam, a 23-year-old who has already faced unimaginable challenges in his young life. The thieves took his Nintendo DS with rare games, a brand-new laptop intended for his studies at Cambrian College, and pickleball equipment he had saved up to buy.

This loss strikes particularly hard for Cam, who underwent a double-lung transplant in 2023 and recently completed cancer treatments. “You already have bad luck, and then there’s more bad luck,” said Mark, lamenting the cumulative toll of these hardships on his son.

The break-in is part of a disturbing trend in Sault Ste. Marie, where police have reported an uptick in vehicle “smash-and-grabs.” Just days after the Rivards’ incident, authorities noted five similar thefts occurred in a single evening on September 3. “The investigations into these incidents are ongoing,” Sault police stated in a press release.

Mark is frustrated by the lack of communication from authorities, having been “playing phone tag” with police for weeks without clarity on his report. “I have no idea what’s up, what’s what,” he said, expressing the distress of navigating this situation alongside the emotional upheaval it has caused.

Despite the theft, Cam’s resilience shines through. He has started attending classes at Cambrian College and is back on the pickleball court with friends. “He’s 23 but really hasn’t lived, you know, regular life,” Mark said, proudly calling his son a warrior for his spirit in the face of adversity.

While Mark has attempted to replace what he can, including a new laptop for school, the unique items stolen from Cam remain irreplaceable, leaving an emotional void. “Nothing can really replace it,” Mark lamented.

As the family continues to cope with this latest blow, they remain hopeful for a brighter future. Cam recently received the news that he is in remission, adding a glimmer of hope amid their struggles. “The amount of pain and suffering he’s been through has been incredible, and yet he’s come through it unbelievably,” Mark expressed, underscoring his son’s remarkable resilience.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities families face while traveling and the profound impact of such losses on individual lives. The Rivards’ story highlights not only the harsh realities of crime but also the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.