The family of a cyclist who was critically injured while riding their bike in Stittsville last week is speaking out amid renewed calls for improved road safety. “It’s going to be, according to the neurological team and the orthopedic team, a long recovery because Ghost is very, very broken,” Leslie-Anne Barrett said of her child. “So, I try to take it step by step because looking ahead is too daunting and I might lose my step on the mountain. It’s just my analogy to get through every day.” Barrett was the lead make up artist at CTV News Ottawa for more than two decades. Ghost, an artist and outreach worker, was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Harry Douglas and Sweetnam drives around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22. They remain sedated in the intensive care unit with life-threatening head injuries and multiple broken bones. The circumstances around the crash are still under investigation and no charges have been laid. Barrett has been at Ghost’s bedside since the night of the crash. Both are unable to work. Barrett’s sister Lisa has started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for them. “This GoFundMe page is to help for immediate living expenses and of course putting money aside for Ghost when they hopefully recover and have something to get them back on their feet,” she said. On Thursday, Barrett received some good news—the swelling on Ghost’s brain has been reduced and doctors will now be able to threat their broken bones. She says Ghost is strong and is thankful for the outpouring of community support. “It’s a little overwhelming to say the least but I’m grateful, very grateful. And I’m sending it right back, every beautiful word.” Anyone who has information about the crash or dashcam footage is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Fatal Collision Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2345. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppers.ca.
