The family of a couple who lost their lives in a crash over the weekend is speaking out Tuesday.
Police say Brad and Krista Howe were killed Sunday after a 22-year-old man's pickup struck their small vehicle in south Red Deer near the intersection of Ironstone Drive and 30th Avenue.
Police revealed the two victims were both wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. The couple was pronounced dead on scene.
Police have now charged 22-year-old Chad Olsen in connection with the Sunday morning crash. They say alcohol was a factor in the fatal collision.
A statement issued by the Howe family says Brad and Krista were devoted and caring parents and leave behind five children.
Brad's cousin Mitchell White says the family's focus will now be to care for the couple's children.
"They are great kids and I think as a tribute to Brad and Krista they've raised kids that are very independent, that can care for themselves and we even saw that in the last two days...pulling together as a family...they're going to get each other through this," said White.
A memorial service will be held Friday 1 p.m. at the Harvest Center at Westerner Park in Red Deer.
The Howe family says a trust fund has been set up under the couple's name.
Those who wish to donate can drop off donations at any credit union in Alberta or Saskatchewan in an envelope addressed to the Foam Lake Credit Union, including the name of the fund and transit number: 80838-889.
The account number is: 820000016171.
Olsen, of Sedalia, Alta., has been charged with two counts of impaired driving causing death, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death and two counts of operating a motor vehicle with blood alcohol over .08 causing death.
Friends say the couple was originally from Saskatchewan, but had been in Alberta for several years.
Olsen is expected to appear in court on Friday.
