Vigil for woman killed in crash

(Update)

Family members of a St. Catharines woman killed by an impaired driver over the weekend are still in disbelief over her senseless death. Tonight, they came from across Canada and the United States to say goodbye. A vigil was held for a woman they say was taken from them far too soon.

Family and friends gather to remember a woman whose life abruptly ended after being hit by an impaired driver right outside this butcher shop.

Maureen McIntee in the victim’s niece: “It’s a terrible loss, especially under the circumstances to know that your aunt was walking innnocently down the street and gets killed by someone drunk driving behind the wheel.”

Police have not confirmed whether the driver was drunk. Another family member says they told her he was high on cocaine. It all began when the 30-year old man from Brampton fled from police after being pulled over for erratic driving. He allegedly lost control at a street corner, hitting the 69-year old woman who was then thrown through the shop window.

The victim’s family asked that CHCH not report her name as she never wanted to be seen as the victim.

Bryan Hauser owns Pilgrim’s Butcher Shop: “Building is just bricks and mortar, it can be repaired, but a human life is just so dear.”

A mother, grandmother, and great grandmother to three including Savannah whom she never met. She loved taking late night walks to help get to sleep. She was a familiar face in the neighbourhood. This make shift memorial filled with cards mourning her loss.

Kyla Damanis is the victim’s daughter: “She helped anybody. She was kind and taught us kids to always keep the door open at Christmas in case somebody else needed help.”

Although the driver was eventually caught, the family says it’s not enough.

Shannon Taylor is the victim’s granddaughter: “It was his intention to get behind the wheel while negligently impaired and we’re learning it’s not his first time — finding out his license was suspended. There’s no forgiveness for that. You’re a monster. You’re evil. I honestly hope that this haunts him for the rest of his life because it’s going to stay with us for the rest of ours.”

30-year old Pirasath Aiyathurai, from Brampton is charged with 5 alleged Criminal Code offences include Flight from Police, Criminal Negligence Causing Death, Impaired Driving Causing Death, Failing to Remain at the Scene of an Accident and Driving While Disqualified.