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Toddler is among survivors of B.C. highway crash that killed newborn, two adults

Click to play video: 'Three members of family killed in car crash near Castlegar'
Three members of family killed in car crash near Castlegar
Three members of the same family, including an eight-day-old baby, were killed in a crash near Castlegar Monday afternoon. Now, the community is grieving and rallying around the sole survivor, a two-year-old girl. Catherine Urquhart reports. – Jan 17, 2023

A toddler was the only survivor in a vehicle involved in a Monday afternoon crash that claimed the lives of her parents and an eight-day-old sibling.

In a press release issued Monday, RCMP said a passenger car and a pickup truck collided just before 4 p.m. Monday on Highway 3a in Thrums, B.C.

“The preliminary investigation suggests the driver of the passenger car maneuvered their vehicle in a way consistent with a U-turn into the path of the pickup truck,” RCMP said.

By the time emergency crews arrived, bystanders were already administering first aid to the victims of the crash.

“Three of the four occupants in the passenger car; a 26-year-old man, a 25-year-old woman and an eight-day-old infant were declared deceased on scene.”

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The fourth passenger of the car, a two-year-old, was transported to the hospital and is expected to recover from her injuries.

Global News has learned the mother, Ashley Mulianey, father Habib and son Vince were the ones killed in the crash. Meadow was the toddler who survived. The family had gone shopping but never returned home.

In a public Facebook post, Ashley’s mother said she was FaceTiming her daughter when the crash happened. She thought the video had just frozen.

Kim Mullaney provided a statement to Global News, which is posted here in full.
“To say we are devastated heartbroken and destroyed is an understatement, I could never imagine how a tragedy like this would feel. Ashley was a true blessing to our family, she was always smiling and laughing, always happy and positive. She was the best mom I’ve ever known and she truly lived for her sweet babies. She was compassionate and understanding and she has been my rock for years, she was my youngest and will always be my baby. I would give anything to hear her call me mom just one more time! My 2 year old granddaughter was the only one to survive and she is missing her mommy, daddy and baby brother so much I wish I could take away all her pain. We all love this little girl so much and will do everything to make sure she grows up knowing how much she was loved by her parents and how much she will always be loved by her whole family. Habib was my son in law and I can’t say enough good things about him! He was such a good dad and kept my daughter and granddaughter laughing. I’ll miss hearing you play your guitar, you were such a good guy Habib! And last but certainly not least, my precious baby grandson, I only got to hold you 5 times in the 8 short days of your life but your were loved and so precious to me. I was excited to watch you learn and grow into a big boy but your time with us was cut way to short. We will never forget you guys ❤️❤️”
-Kim Mullaney and Bart. Kim is the mother to Ashley, grandmother to Vincent and Meadow

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In addition, Katia Giesler, Habib’s mother, provided a statement to Global News, which is posted here in full.
“I am completely devastated at this point in time, Wile I truly feel the miracle of grace of having cuppy still with us, I can not comprehend the loss of my son, my daughter-in-law and my grandson. I love you so much Habib, Ashley and Vincent. -love mom”

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Katia Giesler, mother to Habib, and Lorne who are the grandmother of Vincent and Meadow 

“The driver and lone occupant of the pickup displayed minor injuries and was treated on scene for his injuries,” RCMP said.Highway 3A remained closed for a period of time while the RCMP and BC Coroner Service continued the investigation. The road has since reopened.

A GoFundMe has been started to alleviate some of the need of the toddler. Within 11 hours it had reached more than $16,000 and surpassed its goal.

Ashley Mulianey was killed in the crash in Castlegar, along with her husband and infant son. Submitted by the family
Ashley Mulianey, father Habib and son Vince were killed in the crash near Castlegar. Submitted by the family
Meadow survived the crash but baby Vince died. Submitted by the family

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can contact Castlegar RCMP at 250-365-7721.

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