EDMONTON - The family of a six-year-old boy struck and killed while walking to school in St. Albert wants him remembered as a lovable, fun-loving and free-spirited child.
In a message posted to a community Facebook page Saturday, the family of Thomas Wedman asks that a memorial not be created at the scene of his death, where many neighbourhood children — including the boy’s brothers — walk to school every day. They do not want a memorial to be a constant reminder of what happened, the message states.
“Rather I want people to remember him for the lovable fun loving free spirited child that he was,” says the message, signed by parents Sheri and Jeff Wedman, and their two other sons.
The Grade 2 student was crossing the street Friday at 8:40 a.m., about 200 metres from his school, École Marie Poburan, a French-immersion Catholic elementary at 100 Sir Winston Churchill Ave.
A school bus loaded with children was travelling southwest on that avenue when it made a right turn onto Woodlands Road, where the boy was crossing.
“My son was the happiest little boy in the universe. He filled our lives with pure joy every day and I am devastated that his little life has been cut short. As a family we will get over this tragedy and create a new normal but we will never forget him. Hug your kids and families and keep us in your prayers,” reads the note, which also thanks the St. Albert community for its support and love.
The boy was walking with other people, possibly other students, RCMP Const. M.J. Burroughs said Friday.
Woodlands Road has a crosswalk, but no lights. The next corner has a pedestrian crossing with lights for Sir Winston Churchill Avenue.
Parent Cindy De Bruijn, whose son is in the boy’s class, said she and the boy’s mother have talked many times about student safety on the busy roads.
“In the last year, the mom and I have had multiple conversations about what we could do as a group of parents to make that intersection safe, since nothing has been done,” De Bruijn said.
“It should have never of happened. … I can’t imagine what this family is going through right now.”
Children regularly cross where the boy was hit, she said.
“It’s an extremely busy intersection,” De Bruijn said. “Often, what will happen is cars are quickly turning on the red light, which is meant to be for the crosswalk. So you’re not through the intersection and they’re nipping at your heels.”
Investigators are working to determine who had the right of way, Burroughs said. Alcohol was not a factor and there was still no word of charges Saturday morning.
According to the Driver’s Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing on the Alberta Transportation website, drivers turning right must yield to pedestrians on the cross street. “Do not enter the crosswalk to turn until pedestrians are safely out of the intersection,” the manual says.
Ruth Baars, whose home is beside the accident scene, said the children were quickly escorted off the bus and away from the area.
The bus driver was in his late 40s or early 50s, she said. He had his head down as he walked off the bus and paced up and down the street, appearing to be in great distress, Baars said.
Students from the Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools and St. Albert Public Schools were riding the bus, which serves two schools.
Thirty-seven students were registered as riders, although it’s not clear how many were aboard when the boy was hit, said public schools superintendent Barry Wowk. Parents of students on the bus were immediately notified and the school district was providing support to people affected by the incident, he said.
“We are a closely knit school district and we are all feeling this tremendous loss,” Wowk said. “Many lives have been changed today, but we can hope and pray that our community will come together once again to help each other heal.”
Counsellors were at École Marie Poburan on Friday and will be back next week, said David Keohane, superintendent of Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools.
“This accident is an immense loss to all who knew the victim and will have a profound effect on the school,” Keohane said. “Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the family and friends and classmates of this child.”
Abe Cripps and his daughter, Georgia, were walking to school when they came across the scene. Georgia also attends Grade 2 at École Marie Poburan.
Cripps said he was shocked and upset at the boy’s death.
“It’s horrible,” he said. “Keep yours as safe as you can and hope it never happens to you.”
St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse quickly ordered a review of all crosswalks and intersections at the 25 schools in the city.
A yellow school bus from First Student Canada remained in the intersection for hours Friday as police officers took measurements and photographs.
The police were unclear if crossing guards were stationed at the intersection.
With files from The Canadian Press and Alexandra Zabjek