Following a tragic truck accident that killed nine-year-old Baeleigh Emily Maurice, a vigil with tears, music and stories was held to remember her short life.
People gathered at the crash site, including family members, friends and supporters, with candles in hand and gifts for the family.
Some told stories about Baeleigh, who was known to be full of life, laughter, and good intentions.
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His father, Todd Maurice, was with Baeleigh’s mother, Rochelle Dubois, in his arms and talked about Baeleigh.
“She is everything you would want, everything you would want in life. It’s sad that he had to take it so tragically, it just hurts. It’s painful, ”he said.
Young Raven’s aunt mentioned her devastating final conversation with Baeleigh, moments before the accident.
“Right before we left, I said look both ways and she shook her head and smiled and said I’ll do it auntie, I promise.”
Traditional indigenous drums he was playing during the whole vigil for two groups.
The drumming is meant to reflect the heartbeat of Mother Earth and help advance the healing process through the vibrations of the drum.
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With a speech and prayer, everyone in attendance was encouraged to celebrate his life, no matter how short, and to live a full life while they can.
“There is a teaching here. Death is part of a life ceremony. They never asked us to be born and we don’t know when we will go, ”said a man praying the prayer.
Many people left candles, teddy bears and flowers along the fence in front of the crosswalk where Baeleigh passed to show their support for the family.
Although the vigil was held in Baeleigh’s memory, neighbor Bobbi Crowe said: “I think he’s going to send a message. It’s better because we have to do something with this street and get people to slow down. “
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The speed limit on the street is currently 50 km / h, like most residential areas in Saskatoon.
The accident happened just one day after the city’s transportation committee stopped a proposal to lower residential speed limits.
Crowe mentioned: “People go so fast on this road, it’s practically a raceway.”
Global News received a statement from Saskatoon Public Schools that said, “Our school division is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of this young student and our thoughts are with the student’s family and loved ones.”
Adding: “We have additional counseling support at the school to provide assistance to students or staff members in need.”
TO GoFundMe Fundraising for Baeleigh’s funeral has begun.
The goal was to raise $ 15,000 and it has already been exceeded by more than $ 1,000.
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Reference-globalnews.ca