9-year-old girl killed in tragic car crash when robber runs red light while fleeing police

A nine-year-old girl died after the car she was riding in was hit by a suspected robber who ran a red light in an attempt to avoid police.

Victoria Desjardins, her sister Madison, 12, and her mother Amanda Reitmeier were in their family car when a man driving a stolen car struck them in Calgary, Canada, causing a five-car crash.

After the accident on Thursday morning, Victoria, Madison and Amanda were all taken to hospital in critical condition. Victoria tragically died as a result of her serious injuries.

The suspected perpetrator, Duane Arlen Nepoose, 30, was arrested at the scene at the intersection of Southland Drive and Macleod Trail South.

Before the car accident, Nepoose allegedly robbed a nearby Pharmasave. Police said he attacked the pharmacist and stole his car. CTV News reported.

He sped away from the pharmacy and refused to stop for police before making the fatal decision to run a red light, causing a collision with four other cars.

Nepoose is facing a raft of charges relating to the alleged offences, including theft, theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing police, dangerous driving causing death and three charges of dangerous driving.

A GoFundMe page has been created to support the family following the life-changing events (photo from left to right: Trevor Desjardins, Madison, Amanda and Victoria)

The accident happened Thursday morning at the intersection of Southland Drive and Macleod Trail South

He is in custody awaiting trial.

Researchers said both speed and drug-related impairment are being investigated as potential factors, according to the Calgary Herald.

The crash was initially evaluated by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) as police were involved in the crash as they attempted to pull over Nepoose.

But ASIRT determined that officers did not contribute to the crash, so the agency is no longer involved in the investigation.

The Desjardins family was hit hard by the impact, but several passengers in the other cars suffered minor injuries.

Four people were taken to hospital in “critical, life-threatening condition,” according to a statement from the Calgary Police Service (CPS). The fourth woman appeared to be in her 40s and is in stable condition CTV News.

CPS Traffic Unit Inspector said in a statement Friday: “We share the deep sorrow felt by the family and loved ones whose lives have been forever changed by someone’s disregard for public safety.”

Duane Arlen Nepoose has been arrested and charged for the series of crimes he committed just one day after Christmas

Victoria, Madison and Amanda were badly affected by the accident, although another victim was left in a ‘life-threatening’ condition

Nepoose allegedly ran a red light while fleeing from police, causing a horror crash involving five cars

Zara Wishloff, president of APD Motor Parts Distributors, where Amanda works, started one GoFundMe to support the family – including Victoria’s father, Trevor – during these difficult times.

Wishloff wrote: ‘On Boxing Day, Amanda and her daughters were the victims of a senseless accident.

“We want to get the support of Trevor Desjardin’s family to fund a funeral for Victoria, as well as help with the long road of recovery that lies ahead for these ladies.”

To date, more than $165,200 CAD has been raised to “ease the financial burden of funeral decisions and assist in their recovery journey.”

Victoria’s family released a statement through CPS about the child’s untimely death, CTV News reported.

The statement reads: ‘We are absolutely crushed by the loss of our daughter, Victoria Desjardins, who was tragically taken from us just one day after Christmas.

“Thursday morning started like any other, and within a few hours our lives were irreparably changed.”

Victoria wanted to be a footballer when she grew up and will be remembered for her ‘radiant’ spirit

Madison (left) was seriously injured and remains in the hospital. Victoria (right) died in hospital

The Desjardins-Reitmeier has been left devastated by the loss of Victoria and the serious injuries suffered by Madison and Amanda

The heartbroken family continued: “Victoria was loved by so many, and her loss has left a void in our hearts that can never be filled. We are completely overwhelmed with grief and utterly devastated that our family will be forever incomplete.

‘A parent should never outlive his child. We are now forced to live the rest of our lives without our beloved daughter, who had her whole life ahead of her.”

Victoria wanted to be a footballer when she grew up and will be remembered for her kindness and ‘radiant’ energy.