Family members have identified the three people killed in a crash on a highway in Castlegar, British Columbia, this week as two young parents and their newborn baby.
A joint statement released on Wednesday said Habib Moonflower, 26, Ashley Mullaney, 25, and Vincent Moonflower-Mulaney, just eight days old, died near the remote community of Trums on Monday.
The couple’s two-year-old daughter, Meadow, survived the crash and was taken to hospital.
“To say we are devastated, heartbroken and devastated is an understatement,” Kim Mullaney, Ashley’s mother, said in a statement.
The family was traveling in a car on Highway 3A when their vehicle collided with a pickup truck around 4:00 PM PT.
RCMP said the initial investigation suggests the car made a U-turn into the truck’s path.
Meadow is expected to survive, but now faces life without her parents and little brother.
“We all love this little girl so much and will do anything to make sure she grows up knowing how much she was loved by her parents and how much she will always be loved by her entire family,” Mulaney wrote.
Meadow Moonflower is pictured with Vincent, her newborn baby brother, in an undated photo. Moonflower’s brother and parents were killed in a crash on Highway 3A Monday. (Family photo)
Mullaney described Ashley, his youngest child, as a “blessing” to their family.
“She was the best mother I ever knew and she truly lived for her sweet babies. She was compassionate and understanding and was my rock for years… I would give anything to hear her call me mom just one more time,” the statement read.
“Habib was my son-in-law and I can’t say enough good things about him,” Mulaney added. “He was such a good father and made my daughter and granddaughter laugh.”
She ended the statement with words about her newborn grandson.
“I could only hug you five times in the eight short days of your life, but you were loved and so precious to me. I’ve been excited to watch you learn and grow into a big boy, but your time with us was also cut short.”
Vincent Moonflower-Mulaney was eight days old when he and his parents died in a crash on Highway 3A on January 16. (Family photo)
Moonflower’s parents said they are devastated.
“While I truly feel the miracle of grace to have Chappie still with us,” Katja and Lorne Geisler wrote, referring to their surviving granddaughter, “I cannot fathom the loss of my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandson.”
“I love you so much.”
RCMP said Moonflower was driving and Ashley Mullaney was in the passenger seat of the car. Officials said it will be difficult, if not impossible, to determine why the car may have made the U-turn.
Mounties are investigating whether any additional factors contributed to the crash, but said officers “have no information to suggest that drugs, alcohol or speed” played a role.
The driver of the pickup was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have more information is asked to contact Castlegar RCMP at 250-365-7721.
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