Residents of a northeast Edmonton neighbourhood are expressing condolences as the father of a young boy killed in a freak collision struggles to come to grips with what happened.
Eddie Sayed said his five-year-old son Ali was under the care of their nanny when tragedy struck on Monday morning in the McConachie area.
“Right now, we’re trying to understand what happened,” Sayed said.
The collision happened at Arcadia Place, an apartment complex on McConachie Boulevard. Somehow, Ali ended up out on the sidewalk near the complex.
The Edmonton Police Service said a 25-year-old woman driving a Jeep Cherokee was coming out of the parking lot of a residential complex at around 10 a.m.
At the same time, police said Ali was running east on the sidewalk and fell.
The Jeep hit the child, and police said the driver immediately called 911.
“It’s a series of tragic events,” said complex resident Ron Schur, who was with his wife when they heard a collision outside.
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“Unfortunately, I was one of the first people to see and witness the accident and it’s gut-wrenching,” Schur said.
Schur and another resident, who didn’t want to be named, said bystanders rushed over to provide first aid and CPR until paramedics arrived.
“You know, to see that poor boy laying there — you immediately think of your own family and how precious life is.”
Before emergency crews arrived, the child’s mom and dad showed up.
“They were just inconsolable,” Schur said. “You have to put yourself in their shoes. How would you feel? I mean I would lose it myself, so I completely understand the emotions.
“It’s so sad.”
Schur said the sight lines coming out of the complex aren’t great and a concrete sign blocks the view of the sidewalk as vehicles exiting the parking lot approach the road.
“When you’re coming out of this parking lot, it’s higher, and then the driveway drops down,” Schur said. “People sometimes will float through the stop signs and look to the left to see if there’s any traffic and then look right.
“It’s… a whole series of bad events that connected all at once.”
Ali was taken to hospital, where he died.
The EPS major collisions investigation section is investigating and does not believe speed or alcohol was a factor.
Sayed is trying to come to grips with the senseless tragedy that claimed the life of his eldest son.
“I would understand if he was crossing the road and he got hit, but he got on the sidewalk,” Sayed said. “That’s where you’re suppose to feel safe.”
Ali is one of four kids, his father explained. He had two sister and a younger brother.
“I’m just really sorry for my wife, for my kids, and I don’t want anybody else to go through this,” Sayed said.
On Tuesday, a memorial of flowers and stuffed animals had formed at the front of the apartment complex where the collision happened.
“Kudos to the community for helping this grieving family get through this. I hope something is learned from this unfortunate tragedy,” Schur said.
The EPS crime and trauma support section responded to the scene to provide support.
“It’s crazy how much support from our community and outside of our community we’ve had,” Sayed said. “We’re very grateful for this.”
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