Family of London, Ont. girl killed in crash 'devastated'
James and Kathy Stemp, the parents of eight-year-old Alexandra Stemp, who died after the crash on Riverside Drive at Wonderland Road on Tuesday night have shared a heartbreaking note.
In the email to CTV News London, they describe their daughter as, "A brilliant and vivacious little girl with a terrific sense of humour...a talented artist who loved her older brother with all of her heart."
Stemp was one of 10 people, ranging in age from six to 40 years old, injured after a westbound vehicle struck at least one other vehicle before hitting a light standard, tree and then the group of pedestrians.
So far, no charges have been laid, and police have said the investigation into the collision could take weeks. The driver remained at the scene and was not injured.
The Stemps go on to say, "Our family is devastated by the loss of Alexandra in such a tragic circumstance."
The family is also thanking the community for their support and say their hearts go out to the others still recovering from the crash, including the Brownie leaders and girls/volunteers.
The Girl Guides of Canada released a statement saying Thursday saying, "Our thoughts are with all of those involved, their families and friends, who will be impacted by this incident for some time.”
The organization also says they have been "overwhelmed" by the support and care shown to their members.
On Friday, London Mayor Ed Holder said city buildings will be illuminated in 'Girl Guide blue' through the weekend, and encouraged other businesses and homes to do the same.
"All of London is so, so sad and our thoughts and prayers are with those folks," he tells CTV News London.
"It may seem like a small thing, but sometimes symbols matter. It's a message trying to say to these families and the Girl Guides, that you matter…and we deeply care about the families of all those affected."
I have directed London City Hall, and other @CityofLdnOnt buildings, be illuminated in @girlguidesofcan blue tonight and throughout the weekend in memory of the 8-year-old girl who was killed in this week's collision near Wonderland and Riverside.
At the crash site, a memorial to those affected continues to grow.
Ninety-five-year-old Liz Lemaire is a former Brownie leader who was visiting the scene Friday.
"And it's just before Christmas, it's awful…Well I'm very, very sad because it's just so unnecessary."
Fundraisers for the Stemp family and others injured can be found here, here and here.
Full Stemp Family Note
Dear London,
Our daughter, Alexandra, was a brilliant and vivacious little girl with a terrific sense of humour. She was a talented artist who loved her older brother with all of her heart.
Our family is devastated by the loss of Alexandra in such a tragic circumstance.
Our hearts go out to the Brownie leaders and to the other girls/parent volunteers who are still recovering from their injuries. There is no doubt that the emotional scars from the events of Tuesday night will take much longer to heal than any physical injuries sustained.
Our family feels the love and support of our community. We wish to express our thanks to everyone that assisted at the scene; we commend you for your heroism. We would also like to express our thanks to the police and emergency personnel for their assistance. To the staff of LHSC, you are heroes. Your compassionate care for our daughter and our family will never be forgotten. We request privacy while we try to heal following this tragedy.
Thank you.
The Stemp Family
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.