‘Extremely traumatized’: Family of 2 children killed in Vaughan crash releases statement

The family of two young siblings tragically struck and killed by a vehicle in Vaughan on Sunday has released a statement through York regional police.

“We are extremely traumatized by the tragic loss of our daughter and son,” the family said. “The past days have been extremely difficult for our family. We appreciate the prayers and thoughts of all those grieving with us.”

Police added that the family is requesting privacy and don’t want names or photos of their children released at this time.

The children, a 10-year-old girl and four-year-old boy, both died after they were struck by a car that veered off the road on Athabasca Drive, just off Dufferin Street north of Teston Road on Sunday around noon.

A neighbour who was with the children was also hurt, but his injuries were not life-threatening.

“The children were outside enjoying the weather, riding their bikes and a neighbour had come over to help with the bike chain,” explained York Regional Police Const. Laura Nicolle. “They were out on the driveway on their own property when the vehicle lost control, went off the roadway and collided with all of them.”

Photos from the scene show a black Mercedes sitting on a lawn, wedged underneath a tree and police evidence cones can be seen a few houses down.

Police said a 16-year-old driver from Richmond Hill was taken into custody and has been charged with:

• Dangerous Operation Cause Death x2
• Criminal Negligence Cause Death x2
• Two counts of Dangerous Operation Cause Bodily Harm
• Two counts of Criminal Negligence Cause Bodily Harm

In a release Tuesday night police added that a Go Fund Me page for the family was not authorized by them.

“The family has advised that this was not created by them and has not been discussed with them in any way.”