Former Elk Grove mayoral candidate Joel Broussard, 39, was killed in a crash when a big rig collided into 10 vehicles on Interstate 5 in south Sacramento on Tuesday evening. The crash happened around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday in the southbound lanes of I-5 near Florin Road, the California Highway Patrol said. Broussard was on his way home from work at the time and called his mother Irma Broussard just minutes before the crash. “It was my birthday and Joel would always call me on his way home from work. But this particular day, he calls and he’s singing ‘Happy Birthday!’” she said “He ended the conversation like he always does. He says, ‘Alright, young lady. Love you. Alright, young lady. Love you!’ And that was at 5:17. At 5:40, my baby was gone.”A big rig hauling plywood rear-ended multiple vehicles, including Broussard’s red Chrysler, pushing the vehicles against each other. It is a moment that Broussard’s mother can never forget. “I was the last person he talked to. It just made me think what was on his mind when that truck hit him from behind. He was my baby,” she said. Waiting for Broussard at home was his wife, Angie Broussard and their four children. “I felt like my heart was turning inside out, over and over and over again,” Angie Broussard said. The couple has been married for nearly 17 years. “He was an amazing dad, amazing husband, great friend,” she said. “He always wanted the best for them. Always wanted them to be their better selves.”Their oldest child, Alyssa Broussard, graduates from high school this school year. “My grandbabies — they have to go through life without him. We just ask for prayer,” said Irma Broussard. On Thursday, Joel Broussard’s family reflected on their favorite moments. including game nights, Bible study and simply spending time together. “He was really amazing,” said his 9-year-old daughter, Arielle Broussard. Joel Broussard not only took care of his family, but his community. He ran for mayor of Elk Grove in 2016, was a life coach, frequent blood donor and volunteered with children and families. He also volunteered to help students in Tami Nelson’s class. She is a teacher and a trustee on the Los Rios Community College District board. “He was a good guy,” Nelson said. “We need more people like Joel, more people that are active in their community, selfless, looking to do good, helping those in need.”Elk Grove mayoral candidate Bobbie Singh-Allen is also mourning her friend’s death.“Even through COVID-19, he was still so positive. It’s a tremendous loss for Elk Grove. And, my prayers for the family. Four children are going to grow up without their dad. It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “He was one of those rare human beings that those who got to know him, work with him, really drew from his positive energy because he was one of those that truly brought our community together.”His children plan to carry on his legacy of giving. “He would really help out people,” said his son, Joel-David II Broussard. “I really want to continue that with helping people.”Joel Broussard’s employer, Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics in Folsom, set up a GoFundMe page to help his family.”We’re going to get through this and we’re going to make him proud,” Irma Broussard said.The CHP is still investigating the crash to find out why the big rig collided into the other vehicles. On Friday, officers said alcohol, drugs and a medical issue have been ruled out as factors in the collision.
Former Elk Grove mayoral candidate Joel Broussard, 39, was killed in a crash when a big rig collided into 10 vehicles on Interstate 5 in south Sacramento on Tuesday evening.
The crash happened around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday in the southbound lanes of I-5 near Florin Road, the California Highway Patrol said.
Broussard was on his way home from work at the time and called his mother Irma Broussard just minutes before the crash.
“It was my birthday and Joel would always call me on his way home from work. But this particular day, he calls and he’s singing ‘Happy Birthday!’” she said “He ended the conversation like he always does. He says, ‘Alright, young lady. Love you. Alright, young lady. Love you!’ And that was at 5:17. At 5:40, my baby was gone.”
A big rig hauling plywood rear-ended multiple vehicles, including Broussard’s red Chrysler, pushing the vehicles against each other. It is a moment that Broussard’s mother can never forget.
“I was the last person he talked to. It just made me think what was on his mind when that truck hit him from behind. He was my baby,” she said.
Waiting for Broussard at home was his wife, Angie Broussard and their four children.
“I felt like my heart was turning inside out, over and over and over again,” Angie Broussard said.
The couple has been married for nearly 17 years.
“He was an amazing dad, amazing husband, great friend,” she said. “He always wanted the best for them. Always wanted them to be their better selves.”
Their oldest child, Alyssa Broussard, graduates from high school this school year.
“My grandbabies — they have to go through life without him. We just ask for prayer,” said Irma Broussard.
On Thursday, Joel Broussard’s family reflected on their favorite moments. including game nights, Bible study and simply spending time together.
“He was really amazing,” said his 9-year-old daughter, Arielle Broussard.
Joel Broussard not only took care of his family, but his community. He ran for mayor of Elk Grove in 2016, was a life coach, frequent blood donor and volunteered with children and families.
He also volunteered to help students in Tami Nelson’s class. She is a teacher and a trustee on the Los Rios Community College District board.
“He was a good guy,” Nelson said. “We need more people like Joel, more people that are active in their community, selfless, looking to do good, helping those in need.”
Elk Grove mayoral candidate Bobbie Singh-Allen is also mourning her friend’s death.
“Even through COVID-19, he was still so positive. It’s a tremendous loss for Elk Grove. And, my prayers for the family. Four children are going to grow up without their dad. It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “He was one of those rare human beings that those who got to know him, work with him, really drew from his positive energy because he was one of those that truly brought our community together.”
His children plan to carry on his legacy of giving.
“He would really help out people,” said his son, Joel-David II Broussard. “I really want to continue that with helping people.”
Joel Broussard’s employer, Kids Care Dental & Orthodontics in Folsom, set up a GoFundMe page to help his family.
“We’re going to get through this and we’re going to make him proud,” Irma Broussard said.
The CHP is still investigating the crash to find out why the big rig collided into the other vehicles. On Friday, officers said alcohol, drugs and a medical issue have been ruled out as factors in the collision.
