The three-year-old boy who died after he and his family were struck by a pickup truck in southwest Edmonton has been identified in an online fundraiser shared by the mayor.
The boy was identified as Heyan Radadiya. His seven-year-old sister Aara and 39-year-old mother Jalpa, who were hospitalized, were also identified in the GoFundMe set up by a family friend and neighbour.
“Family’s pain is indescribable,” the neighbour Rakesh Dholakiya wrote. “They never imagined they would have to say goodbye to precious boy so soon. Home feels empty without his laughter and hugs.”
The family was crossing the street at a marked crosswalk in Edmonton’s Allard neighbourhood Thursday evening when they were hit by a Ford F-150 pickup truck that was turning left after having “stopped quickly” at a three-way stop, according to police. The boy died on scene.
Police say the 30-year-old man behind the wheel of the F-150 remained on scene. Investigators don’t believe speed or alcohol were factors in the collision.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi shared a link to the fundraiser on his social media pages Saturday morning.
“I was heartbroken when I heard about the tragic loss of this young Edmontonian this week,” Sohi wrote. “My thoughts are with his family and their whole community.
“If you can, please donate to support Heyan’s family during this unthinkable time.”
The fundraiser raised more than $36,000 of its $100,000 goal – from nearly 500 donations – by Saturday afternoon.
“Your generous contribution will make a meaningful difference as we navigate this heartbreaking journey,” the GoFundMe reads. “Legal fees, funeral expenses and recovery will require some monetary support. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign to honor Heyan’s memory and support their family during this incredibly difficult time.”