Calgary police have laid serious charges against 30-year-old Duane Arlen John Nepoose following a harrowing multi-vehicle collision on Boxing Day, which resulted in the tragic death of nine-year-old Victoria Reitmeier-Desjardins. The collision occurred just before 10 a.m. at the intersection of Macleod Trail and Southland Drive.
According to police reports, Nepoose was driving a stolen 2015 Dodge Caravan and was accused of weaving through traffic erratically before speeding through the red light, colliding with both a 2014 Toyota 4Runner and a 2009 Pontiac Vibe. Both vehicles were carrying women and children, all of whom were rushed to the hospital amid dire conditions.
While the drivers of the Toyota and Pontiac survived, the collision took a heartbreaking turn as one of the children, Victoria, later succumbed to her injuries. Her older sister Madison, aged 12, remains hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition, but her mother, Amanda, also injured, continues her recovery.
"We share the deep sadness felt by the family and loved ones who have had their lives forever changed by someone’s disregard for public safety," remarked Acting Insp. Andy Woodward of the Calgary Police Service, reflecting on the community's grief.
Reports indicate the sequence of events began about half an hour before the crash when police were alerted to a robbery at Pharmasave Millrise. Nepoose, after allegedly assaulting the pharmacist, stole the Dodge Caravan, leading authorities on a pursuit. The police attempt to stop him quickly transitioned to aerial surveillance due to the suspect's reckless behavior.
Minutes later, the stolen vehicle sped through the red signal at Macleod Trail, leading to the catastrophic collision. The aftermath saw Victoria tragically declared dead shortly thereafter, highlighting the severe consequences of dangerous driving.
Following the horrific event, Nepoose was charged with 11 offenses, including robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, and dangerous driving resulting in bodily harm and death. Reports state he was also driving without insurance, a license, or vehicle registration.
Speed and potential drug impairment at the time of the crash are currently under investigation, according to the Calgary Police Service. Officer statements indicated, "Sadly, one of the children passengers succumbed to her injuries yesterday," illustrating the severe impact of the incident.
Calgary police have confirmed they are continuing their investigation, seeking witnesses and any video evidence from the area at the time of the incident to fully assess the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Alongside the legal proceedings, community response has been swift, with local residents coming together to support the Reitmeier-Desjardins family. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by Zara Wishloff, aiming to raise $200,000 to assist with funeral costs for Victoria and the long-term recovery needs of the surviving family members. Within just hours, the fundraiser garnered nearly $60,000, showcasing the community’s compassion during this difficult time.
Both families of the victims and the broader community are left to grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, which serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by reckless driving and the importance of road safety. Acting Insp. Woodward's sentiments resonate deeply as he calls for public awareness, urging all drivers to prioritize safety: "We continue to work with numerous areas and resources across the Service to fully investigate the circumstances of this collision and to support those impacted by this incident." This collision, which has forever altered the lives of many, stands as both a personal tragedy and a public safety imperative.
