A GoFundMe has raised nearly $170,000 for the family of a young girl killed in a Boxing Day crash.
One man was charged after an alleged pharmacy robbery in the southwest where the suspect allegedly used a stolen vehicle to flee the scene in Millrise. Shortly after, the man, Duane Arlen John Nepoose, 30, of Calgary, apparently drove through a red light at Macleod Trail and Southland Drive, striking a couple of cars.
The crash killed nine-year-old Victoria Desjardins and seriously injured her mom Amanda Reitmeier and sister Madison Desjardins. Both remain in hospital, according to an online GoFundMe post.
The post, where $166,801 had been raised as of Dec. 30, said they are hoping to raise funds to help Trevor Desjardins with funeral costs for Victoria and handle the recovery of Amanda and Madison.
“ALL FUNDS ARE GOING DIRECTLY TO THE FAMILY to alleviate financial burden on funeral decisions and to help with their journey of recovery that they will be facing,” read the post from Zara Wishloff, president of the company where Amanda has been working for 10 years.
The family also released a statement on Sunday evening via the Calgary police.
“We are absolutely crushed by the loss of our daughter, Victoria Desjardins, who was tragically taken from us, just one day after Christmas. Thursday morning started out as any other, and within a few short hours, our lives have been irreparably changed.
Victoria was loved by so many, and her loss has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled. We are completely overwhelmed with grief and utterly devastated that our family will forever be incomplete.
Victoria was a girl who made everybody laugh. She was known to all her friends, family, and teachers as an outgoing, bubbly, and energetic girl. Her favorite activities were anything to do with the outdoors. From camping to fishing, she was a girl who was not afraid to bait a hook with a worm. She loved swimming in the lake, and spending time at her grandparent’s property in B.C. She recently started to develop a love for building Legos, doing crafts at home, and baking.
Victoria wanted to be a football player when she grew up. She was a beacon of kindness with a gentle soul that touched all who knew her. A shinning light, that captures the hearts of all who knew her.
Victoria is deeply missed by her parents, her older sister, grandparents, extended family and relatives and friends.
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.
We are asking the media for privacy at this time so we can grieve the sudden loss of our daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend.
A close family friend has set up a Go Fund Me page to help us navigate the next steps of life. We would like to thank everyone who have so generously donated already.
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. We were robbed of the chance to celebrate life’s milestones or enjoy day-to-day life with her. We will never fully be able to heal until justice is served for Victoria.”
– The Reitmeier – Desjardins Family
Calgary police are still seeking information in the Boxing Day crash. Anyone with further information is asked to call Calgary police at 403-266-1234.
