Family says 9-year-old killed in Boxing Day crash was ‘bubbly and energetic’

The family of a nine-year-old girl who was killed in a multi-vehicle collision on Boxing Day says the loss of their daughter has left them with overwhelming grief.

Victoria Desjardins died in hospital Thursday afternoon after the car she was in with both her mother, Amanda Reitmeier, and her sister was hit by another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle had run a red light.

“Thursday morning started out as any other, and within a few short hours, our lives have been irreparably changed,” the family said in a statement distributed 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 forever be incomplete.”

Victoria’s family said she could make everybody laugh, and that she was a “bubbly and energetic” girl. She loved to be outdoors, camp, fish and swim in lakes.

They added that she wanted to be a football 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 shinning light, that captures the hearts of all who knew her,” reads the statement.

“We will never fully be able to heal until justice is served for Victoria.”

Criminal charges have been laid following the crash.

Duane Arlen John Nepoose, 30, who was driving the vehicle that struck the car Victoria was in, is facing charges including robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, flight from a police officer, dangerous driving, dangerous driving causing death, operating a vehicle without a licence, operating a vehicle without registration, operating a vehicle without insurance and dangerous driving causing bodily harm.

Speed and impairment are being looked at as contributing factors, police said.

Police say Nepoose sped away from a drug store robbery in a stolen 2015 Dodge Caravan just after 9:30 a.m. Thursday morning. Travelling northbound on Macleod Trail, the minivan failed to stop at a red light at Southland Drive, striking two westbound vehicles: a 2009 Pontiac Vibe and a 2014 Toyota 4Runner.

Victoria and her family were in the Vibe.

According to the statement published by police, the family are asking for privacy at this time.