Child succumbs to injuries after traffic accident outside elementary school

A female student in grade five from Mother Teresa Catholic School has passed away after being struck by a vehicle just after the school day ended on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022.

The incident occurred at approximately 3:35 p.m., when the child was struck by a truck while crossing Lancaster Drive outside of her school, in Kingston’s west end. Frontenac Paramedic Services and Kingston Fire and Rescue attended, and Kingston Police were called to the scene immediately thereafter. The child was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries, and the roadway was closed to allow for police investigation into the collision, which only involved one vehicle.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no charges have been laid at this time, Kingston Police relayed late on Monday night.

“Collision reconstructionists from the Traffic Safety Unit processed the scene with assistance from the Forensic Identification Unit, while detectives interviewed witnesses and continue to investigate. Kingston Police were later notified that evening that she had succumbed to her injuries,” police said on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022.

The roadway was reopened at 7:30 p.m., and the parents of the child involved had been notified of the incident at that time, Kingston Police said.

“The driver immediately stopped, stayed on scene, and has been cooperative with investigators. The truck was seized and towed for further examination. No charges have been laid at this time and any fault has yet to be established until the investigation is fully complete.”

Mother Teresa Catholic School issued a letter to all parents and guardians within its community just after 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning, confirming the young girl had passed away.

“Our school has experienced a tremendous loss. It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the death of [REDACTED], a beloved student here at Mother Teresa Catholic School,” school Principal Stacey Porter said in the letter.

“The Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board’s Bereavement Team will be present at the school today to gather in prayer and to support our school community. This team will continue to support our school community in the coming days and weeks as needed and will be available at care stations where students are able to talk, grieve, and pray with a caring adult.”

The letter went on to describe ways parents and guardians can offer support to their own children during this difficult time.

As the investigation continues, Kingston Police said they have towed the truck involved in the accident, and that it, along with other evidence and aspects of the investigation, will be fully examined in the coming days. While police took many statements from those on the scene at the time of the accident, anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Andrew Wilby at [email protected], or at 613-549-4660 x 6217.

Kingston Police have communicated the the child’s name will not be released at the request of the family, and that the family are asking their privacy be respected during this very difficult time.

“After losing a special person in our lives, it is important for us to support each other in keeping the memories of the deceased alive as a part of their life and identity. We can do this by storytelling, sharing memories, writing a letter communicating all of things we still wish to communicate to [REDACTED] or expressing ourselves in some other way that helps each of us to keep her memory alive,” Principal Porter concluded the letter to parents and guardians at Mother Teresa Catholic School.

A GoFundMe account has been set up by a member of the community to assist the child’s family “with the costs associated with this tragedy,” which is being shared with permission of the family. Those who would like to contribute to the fund can do so here.