The family of a nine-year-old girl who died in a multi-vehicle collision on Boxing Day say the loss of their daughter has left them with overwhelming grief.
Victoria Desjardins died in hospital Thursday afternoon after the car she was traveling in with both her mother, Amanda Reitmeier, and her sister, was struck by another vehicle. The driver of the other car had run a red light.
“Thursday morning started like any other, and within a few hours our lives were irreparably changed,” the family said in a statement released by Calgary police.
“Victoria was loved by so many, and her loss has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled. We are… utterly devastated that our family will be forever incomplete.”
Victoria's family said she could make everyone laugh, and that she was a “bubbly and energetic” girl. She loved being outdoors, camping, fishing and swimming in lakes.
They added that she wanted to be a soccer player when she grew up, and had recently developed an interest in building Lego and baking.
“She was a beacon of kindness with a gentle soul that touched all who knew her. A shining light that captured the hearts of all who knew her,” the statement read.
“We will never fully heal until justice is served for Victoria.”
Criminal charges were filed following the crash.
Duane Arlen John Nepoose, 30, who was driving the vehicle that struck the car Victoria was in, faces charges including theft, theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing a police officer, dangerous driving, dangerous driving causing death, driving driving a vehicle without a driver's license, driving a vehicle without registration, driving a vehicle without insurance and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.
Speed and limitations are being looked at as contributing factors, police said.
Police say Nepoose drove away from a drugstore robbery in a stolen 2015 Dodge Caravan just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning. While driving north on the Macleod Trail, the minivan failed to stop at a red light on Southland Drive, striking two westbound vehicles: a 2009 Pontiac Vibe and a 2014 Toyota 4Runner.
Victoria and her family were in the mood.
According to the police statement, the family is requesting privacy at this time.
