WATCH: Police have arrested two suspects in the fatal hit and run of 35-year-old Maryam Rashidi on Sunday. Nancy Hixt reports.
CALGARY – Ahmad Nourani Shallo came to Canada with his wife, Maryam Rashidi, and their six-year-old son Koorosh to build a new life. But part of that life was taken from them, when Rashidi succumbed to injuries sustained in a hit-and-run on Sunday at the Centex gas station where she worked.
“She was the best thing that I had,” said Nourani Shallo. “She was a kind mom, she was very responsible.
“We were very close friends with each other…and I loved her.”
A trust fund has been set up in the names of her husband, Ahmad, and son, Koorosh at TD Canada Trust transit or branch 01729, account number 6737034.
Originally from Iran, the family briefly stopped in Montreal before settling in Calgary.
“We wanted to begin a better life…and we wanted to find better jobs, but unfortunately we lost both of them.”
Nourani Shallo and Rashidi worked as engineers, but were both laid off from Calgary oil and gas companies in May. Desperate to support her family, Rashidi decided to take a job at Centex on 16 Ave.
The 35-year-old was rushed to hospital after she was hit by a truck at the gas station on Sunday, and succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday afternoon. Police say she was dragged and run over by a Ford truck, which was allegedly involved in a gas-and-dash.
READ MORE: Calgary police arrest two suspects in fatal gas station hit-and-run
“Right now I’m worried about my son, because he asks me, ‘Where is mom? Why mom die?’” said Nourani Shallo. “What should I tell him? He saw his mother yesterday, but he can’t make sense.”
Nourani Shallo says he doesn’t feel anger—just hurt—as he struggles to pay for funeral costs for ceremonies in both Iran and Calgary.
A close family friend says he plans to travel to Iran to tell Rashidi’s family.
“It’s very difficult for him now—he has to be mom and dad,” said Amin Attar. “He has a plan to go back to Iran and talk to her family. Her parents are very upset and they cannot believe what happened right now.”
Nourani Shallo hopes to return to Calgary, but says right now, everything reminds him of the love he’s lost.
“Anywhere I go…Marlborough Mall, Memorial Drive, anywhere—I remember we were here with Maryam,” he said. “When I see Maryam’s photo, it’s very difficult for me, and I need to leave this place for a while.”
One suspect in the hit-and-run was being questioned by police Wednesday afternoon. Sources tell Global News another young person was questioned and released.
READ MORE: Calgary gas-and-dash death raises questions, renews calls for new law
With files from Erika Tucker
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