Schoolmates piled flowers and messages Friday on a growing memorial to a 13-year-old boy struck and killed by a van while riding his bike in St. Albert.
Groups of students walked a few blocks from Sir George Simpson school to the scene of Thursday afternoon’s crash.
“He would be happy he brought us all together,” said Aiden McLean, who said the victim was one of his best friends.
“He’s just a funny guy,” McLean added. “He’s always happy. He’s always available to give you a helping hand… and he’s one guy you can count on just to help you out and get you through it,” McLean said.
“I saw him at his locker. We walked down the stairs together and I said bye and he said bye and we walked in the opposite direction. Now that’s a lot more difficult to live with now that I know what happened afterwards.”
READ MORE: 13-year-old cyclist dies after being struck by van in St. Albert
Officers were called to a collision between an Econoline van and the young cyclist in the area of Gresham Blvd. and Grenfell Avenue shortly after 3 p.m.
The boy was taken to hospital in Edmonton with serious injuries where he later died.
“Today’s been rough,” McLean said. “Ups and downs and then complete flats where you just don’t feel much. It’s just definitely hard to go through losing someone who was so — gosh, there’s just not one word to even describe him. It’s difficult to lose someone like that.
“He’s irreplaceable. You can’t replace someone like that… He was a force to be reckoned with.”
Police have interviewed everyone connected to the fatal collision and say “no charges are pending at this time.”
St. Albert RCMP and a collision analyst continue to investigate the crash and St. Albert Victim Services is supporting those involved in the incident. The RCMP said these types of investigations can take up to a month to be completed. However, RCMP said “neither drugs, alcohol or road conditions are believed to be factors.”
They also said the boy was wearing a helmet.
The St. Albert Rams lacrosse team has identified the boy as Darian Mar, saying Mar was a long-time member of the association and played on the Bantam A zone team.
“Darian and his family are respected and loved by all. His infectious smile, kind and caring spirit and happy demeanour will be missed. He leaves this world far too soon. We offer our deepest condolences during this devastating time to the Mar family,” a Facebook post reads.
The team set up a GoFundMe page in Darian’s memory and to support the Mar family.
“One of the central reasons Darian’s teammates cited for wanting to assist his family was the bond we have with Darian,” the page reads. “He was a smart student, a gifted volleyball player and a creative genius… As a teammate, he forced others to be accountable by rapidly improving himself through sheer heart and determination.
“Beyond his many gifts, and perhaps most importantly, teammates remember Darian as someone who ‘would just do the right thing.'”
St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse issued a statement Thursday night, passing along his condolences to the family and friends of the teen.
“Today’s terrible loss reminds us of how precious life is, and how we must do everything we can to help create a community that is safe and secure for all,” he said.
“I encourage residents to join me in doing all we can to help support the family during this very difficult time.”
Crouse said he has asked the city manager to conduct a complete review of the incident to prevent a similar tragedy from happening again on St. Albert streets.
On Friday, the city manager confirmed the crash would be reviewed. He also issued his condolences to the boy’s family, friends and schoolmates.
“The city is devastated by this tragic loss,” Kevin Scoble said in a news release.
“Support services have been extended to those who attend the school of the teen, first responders and city staff, and support and resource information will be available to community stakeholder groups throughout the weekend.
“The city awaits the findings of the RCMP investigation. As per the mayor’s request, administration will conduct a complete review of the incident. The city will examine and assess roadway engineering, pedestrian, cyclist and motorist education in schools and for the public, as well as enforcement. Best practices that enhance pedestrian/cyclist safety will also be reviewed. The city will determine specific actions in the coming weeks once the RCMP investigation is completed.”
Scoble also shared emotional and mental health support services:
- Distress Line 780-482-HELP (4357)
- Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
- 24-hour Mental Health Help Line – 1-877-303-2642
- St. Albert Victim Services – 780-458-4353
- Information on how to talk with your children and youth regarding tragedy is available on the city website by searching Community and Social Development.
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