The family of the young girl who died from her injuries after being pinned under a minivan that crashed into her Grade 6 classroom earlier this week said the young girl touched many lives with her kindness and aspired to be a teacher.
Megan Wolitski, 11, was flown to hospital in Edmonton with serious injuries on Thursday, after a minivan crashed into Racette Jr. High School. She died in hospital on Friday.
“We are devastated by this loss,” the family said in a statement issued to CTV News on Saturday.
“She was a beautiful, smart, and caring girl. She had a passion for dancing especially ballet and jazz. She was a great swimmer. She had so many hopes and dreams. She was a Girl Guide who was planning a trip to Switzerland with her group. She aspired to be a teacher like her mom.”
The statement goes on to say that Wolitski was kind, loved her family, and loved to take care of her sister and baby cousins.
“We would like Megan to be remembered for the incredible girl that she was,” the family statement read.
“She touched so many lives with her kindness. On behalf of her family, we thank you for your thoughts and prayers.”
Click here to read the full family statement.
One of Wolitski's dance instructors remembers her as a bright and funny young dancer.
“(She was) a beautiful light of energy, always very excited, and just funny. The kids loved her, they loved each other, they were a great family,” Heather Schiller tells CTV News.
“It was just a wonderful energy to be around.”
Another of Wolitski's dance instructors said his "heart is with Megan and her wonderful parents and family" during this "incredibly difficult moment."
In a Facebook post, Jake Hastey with Silohuette Dance School, wrote:
"I can't even imagine life without Megan but I am so thankful for every moment we got to spend with her."
Hundreds came out to a vigil in front of Racette Jr. High School on Friday night to mourn Wolitski’s death, and pray for two other young girls who were injured in the crash.
The driver of the minivan, Richard Edward Benson, 46, is facing numerous charges and is in custody.
Benson has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, one count of resisting arrest, and one count of possession of marijuana. Police are still waiting for a blood analysis for Benson.
Charges were announced before Wolitski died, so there is a chance the charges could now be upgraded.
While Benson had initially resisted arrest, police said on Friday that Benson was apologetic and co-operating fully with the investigation.
"He was very remorseful, very apologetic of what has transpired and is co-operative with our investigation," said RCMP District Commander C. Supt. Randy McGinnis.
Benson's family told CTV News on Friday that he had been suffering from seizures and was taking mediciation for the seizures.
His nephew Karl Crooker said Benson became debilitated after a brutal beating in 2002 - and wonders if Benson was dealing with a seizure when his van drove through the school.
Benson will appear in court in St. Paul on Monday.
