TORONTO — A Brampton woman killed after being hit by two tires that flew off a dump truck in Mississauga is being remembered by friends and her employer as a “wonderful, loving soul.”
Peel Region Police say 49-year-old Diane Tsialtis was on a sidewalk, near Meadowvale Boulevard between West Credit Avenue and Syntex Drive, just before 8 a.m. Friday when she was hit.
Tsialtis was rushed to a hospital where she died on Saturday.
READ MORE: Woman in serious condition after struck by flying tire
Friend Jean-Paul Bedard said the two met after sharing a passion for running.
“Diane had one of the kindest hearts of anybody that I’d ever met. There was no BS with Diane — you got what you got and there was no hidden agenda,” he said, adding that Tsialtas was vegan and loved animals.
“Huge family person, her kids and her grandkids were such a big part of her life and she seemed to be able to transfer her love of running to her grandkids as well.”
Tsialtas’ employer Mary Kay Cosmetics, said in a statement that they were “devastated” by the tragic loss.
“Diane Tsialtas was a wonderful, loving soul, and our hearts go out to her family at this difficult time,” a spokeswoman for the company said.
Toronto police Const. Rachel Gibbs said the vehicle “clearly wasn’t well maintained.” Under provincial law, the driver is responsible for ensuring the truck is in safe operating condition and the truck owner could be liable for a fine of up to $50,000.
Peel Regional Police Const. George Tudos added the incident is not something police see on a regular basis.
He said on Friday that the dump truck, which came to a top after the woman was hit, was going through a mechanical inspection conducted by the Ministry of Transportation.
The findings of the inspection would determine how the police investigation moves forward.
Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca released a statement Friday expressing condolences to the victim’s loved ones and stressing provincial efforts to improve truck safety.
“I was saddened to hear of today’s incident. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim,” it read.
“We have introduced legislation that includes more rigorous inspection and an absolute liability law for wheel separations. Ontario continues to be a leader in truck safety standards and enforcement and we will continue to work with all our road and safety partners to keep it that way.”
With files from David Shum and The Canadian Press
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