Mother dies from her injuries after family struck at Guelph crosswalk

A woman’s death has sparked a renewed call for change in Guelph. CTV’s Alexandra Holyk reports.

A Guelph woman has died after she and her family were struck by a pickup truck on Friday.

It happened around 5 p.m. at the intersection of Paisley Road and Alma Street North.

Guelph Police said the 38-year-old, her 38-year-old husband and three-year-old daughter, who was in a stroller, were hit as they were walking in the crosswalk.

All three were taken to Guelph General Hospital, where the mother died from her injuries.

Her husband was not seriously hurt.

Police said the girl was airlifted to a trauma centre in Hamilton but she was released the same night.

“The driver did remain on scene – a 19-year-old from Northern Ontario,” Scott Tracey, spokesperson for the Guelph Police Service, said. “He did stop immediately after the collision and remained on scene and spoked with officers.”

There is no word yet on any possible charges.

“We’re not sure exactly how this collision occurred. That will be part of the investigation,” Tracey said.

Any witnesses, who have not yet spoken to investigators, are asked to contact Constable Todd Weinstein at 519-824-1212, ext. 7185, or email [e-mail].

Neighbourhood concerns

Neighbours are still grappling with news of the woman’s death.

“It’s tragic and heartbreaking,” Annica Napier, a parent, said. “So many are deeply affected.”

The intersection where the crash happened has been an area of concern for some nearby residents.

“There have been a lot of near misses at this intersection,” said Joy Sammy, a member of the Guelph Junction Neighbourhood Group. “The fact that somebody lost their life – people have felt that really deeply.”

“Enough is enough. It has to stop,” Napier said.

Neighbours launched a petition to try to make a change that could potentially make the area safer.

“We are asking for some more up-to-date traffic studies and safety studies for this area,” Sammy said. “So that we can figure out what to do, in order to slow and calm motorized traffic in the area and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.”

For now, a memorial has been set up near the crash site and neighbours said they are doing their best to offer comfort to the family.

“Nothing we say or do will ever be enough, but we will do our best to love and support you during this time,” Napier said.