The family of the 9-year-old Calgary girl who died in a high-speed multi-vehicle collision involving a robbery suspect on Boxing Day say their lives have been “irreparably changed.”
In a Dec. 29 statement released by Calgary police, the Reitmeier-Desjardins family described their now-deceased daughter Victoria Desjardins as an “outgoing, bubbly, and energetic girl” who was taken from them a day after Christmas. They say the day of the accident started out like any other, and within a few hours, their lives changed forever.
“Victoria was loved by so many, and her loss has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled,” the family wrote. “A parent should never outlive their child. We are now forced to live the rest of our lives without our beloved daughter, who had her whole life ahead of her.”
The collision occurred on Dec. 26 at around 9:50 a.m at the intersection of Macleod Trail and Southland Drive Southeast in Calgary after the driver of a stolen 2015 Dodge Caravan linked to a pharmacy robbery earlier that morning ran a red light.
The crash resulted in at least eight people injured, according to police. One driver was listed in stable condition and four others suffered minor injuries. Three were sent to hospital in critical condition, including Victoria Desjardins, who was the only one to succumb to her injuries.
In the latest update on Dec. 27, police said the condition of the driver of the vehicle transporting Victoria Desjardins had improved to stable. Another child travelling with them remained in critical condition at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
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The suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Duane Arlen John Nepoose, who remains in custody with a court date pending. Nepoose faces 11 charges, including robbery, theft, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, fleeing from police, driving without a licence, and dangerous driving causing death.
Police are investigating if drug impairment was a factor in the collision.
Victoria Desjardins wanted to be a football player when she grew up, the family said. She enjoyed outdoor activities such as camping and fishing, and had recently developed a liking for building Lego, doing crafts at home, and baking.
“She was a beacon of kindness with a gentle soul that touched all who knew her,” the family wrote. “Victoria is deeply missed by her parents, her older sister, grandparents, extended family and relatives and friends.”
Zara Wishloff, president of Automotive Parts Distributors and employer of Amanda Reitmeier, Victoria Desjardins’ mother, created a Go Fund Me page on Dec. 17 to help cover funeral costs and related expenses for the family.
“On Boxing day, Amanda and her daughters were victims of a senseless accident,” Wishloff wrote. He identified the father as Trevor Desjardins, and the other child injured in the accident as 12-year-old Madison.
The fundraiser aims to raise $200,000, with $187,644 having been raised as of publication time.
One of the donors, Janet Kaytor, sent her condolences and said she had also lost a child. “There is honestly no pain as tragic and heartbreaking as this,” Kaytor wrote.
In their statement, the Reitmeier-Desjardins family expressed their appreciation for the public’s support.
“At this time, we want to express our sincerest gratitude to everyone for their love and support and helping us through this incredibly difficult time,” the family said.
