Family members have identified the three people who died in a road accident in Castlegar, B.C., this week as two young parents and their baby.
A joint statement released on Wednesday said Habib Moonflower, 26, Ashley Mullaney, 25, and Vincent Moonflower-Mullaney, just eight days old, died on Monday near the remote community of Thrums.
The couple’s two-year-old daughter, Meadow, survived the crash and was taken to hospital.
“To say we are devastated, heartbroken and devastated is an understatement,” read a statement from Kim Mullaney, Ashley’s mother.
The family was traveling in a car on Highway 3A when their vehicle collided with a pickup truck around 4:00 PM PT.
RCMP said the initial investigation suggested the car made a U-turn into the path of the truck.
Meadow is expected to survive, but now faces life without her parents and younger brother.
“We all love this little girl so much and will do everything we can to make sure she grows up knowing how much her parents loved her and how much she will always be loved by her entire family,” Mullaney wrote.
Meadow Moonflower is shown with her baby brother Vincent in an undated photo. Moonflower’s brother and parents were killed in a crash on Highway 3A on Monday. (Family photo)
Mullaney described Ashley, her youngest son, as “a blessing” to her family.
“She was the best mother I have ever known and truly lived for her sweet babies. She was compassionate and understanding and has been my rock for years… I would give anything to hear her call me mommy just one more time.”, says the statement.
“Habib was my son-in-law and I can’t say enough good things about him,” added Mullaney. “He was such a good father and made my daughter and granddaughter laugh.”
He ended the statement with words for his newborn grandson.
“I only got to hug you five times in the eight short days of your life, but you were loved and so precious to me. I was excited to see you learn and grow into a big boy, but the your time with us was also greatly reduced. short.”
Vincent Moonflower-Mullaney was eight days old when he and his parents died in a crash on Highway 3A on January 16. (Family photo)
Moonflower’s parents said they were devastated.
“While I truly feel the miracle of grace that we still have a cup with us,” wrote Katia and Lorne Giesler, referring to their surviving granddaughter, “I cannot fathom the loss of my son, daughter-in-law and my grandson.”
“I love you so much.”
RCMP said Moonflower was driving and Ashley Mullaney was in the passenger seat of the car. Officers said it will be difficult, if not impossible, to determine why the car might have made a U-turn.
Officers are investigating whether there are additional factors that led to the crash, but said officers “have no information to suggest that drugs, alcohol or speed” played a role.
The driver of the pickup truck was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have additional information is asked to contact Castlegar RCMP at 250-365-7721.