A heart-wrenching incident unfolded over the weekend in Orillia, Ontario, leaving a family shattered as a little girl lost her life in a tragic accident.
On Saturday, emergency responders hurried to the scene at the intersection of Colborne Street and West Street shortly before 5 p.m., where a collision had occurred.
The three wounded pedestrians were taken to the hospital in a hurry, one of them being Avalon Jamieson, a five-year-old little girl. Avalon, who was going to turn six years old the next day, tragically did not make it. Avalon had been anticipating her birthday, which was quickly approaching, and her family, who were grieving over the loss, announced that she would be receiving a rainbow cake and presents.
When two vehicles collided at the intersection, Avalon was walking there with her father and younger sister. One of the vehicles careened onto the sidewalk, striking the three pedestrians. Emergency responders quickly transported them to the hospital, where Avalon succumbed to her injuries.
Brett Boniface, an OPP provincial constable, confirmed that the second child and the adult sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the collision.
Condolences for the family flooded online platforms, and a makeshift memorial adorned with stuffed animals and balloons emerged at the crash site. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Monday, January 22, at 5 p.m. in the City of Orillia parking lot near the West Street entrance.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, and Orillia OPP is appealing to witnesses with dashcams or surveillance footage to come forward and contact them at 1-888-310-1122.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact such events have on families and communities. The community rallies in support of the grieving family, offering condolences and solidarity during this unimaginably difficult time.
