Family says 9-year-old boy who died in Boxing Day crash was 'surprised and excited'

The family of a nine-year-old child who died in a multi-vehicle crash on Boxing Day say the loss of their daughter has left them devastated.

Victoria Desjardins died at a hospital Thursday afternoon after the car she was traveling in with her mother, Amanda Reitmeier, and her sister was hit by another car. The driver of another car had run a red light.

“Thursday morning started like any other, and in just a few hours, our lives changed irreparably,” the family said in a statement released by Calgary police.

“Victoria was loved by many, and her loss has left a void in our hearts that will never be filled. We are … devastated that our family will not be complete forever.”

Victoria's family said she could make everyone laugh, and that she was a “sloppy and energetic” girl. He loved being outdoors, camping, fishing and swimming in lakes.

They added that he wanted to be a football player when he grew up, and had recently become interested in building Lego and baking.

“She was a beacon of kindness with a gentle soul that touched all who knew her. A shining light, capturing the hearts of all who knew her,” the statement read.

“We cannot fully heal until justice is served for Victoria.”

Criminal charges have been opened following the accident.

Duane Arlen John Nepoose, 30, who was driving the car that hit Victoria's car, faces charges including robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing from a police officer, dangerous driving, dangerous driving causing death, operating a motor vehicle without a license, operating a motor vehicle without registration, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and dangerous driving causing injury the body.

Speed ​​and impairment are being considered as contributing factors, police said.

Police say Nepoose fled the drugstore robbery in a stolen 2015 Dodge Caravan shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday. Traveling northbound on Macleod Trail, the van failed to stop at a red light at Southland Drive, striking two westbound vehicles: a 2009 Pontiac Vibe and a 2014 Toyota 4Runner.

Victoria and her family were at Vibe.

According to a statement released by police, the family is requesting privacy at this time.