A vase of purple orchids marks the place where 16-year-old Murphy Patricia Delesalle died in West Vancouver after jumping out of a moving vehicle Tuesday night.
The vase is in the 400-block Keith Road, a quiet, residential area where family and friends stopped by Wednesday to grieve.
West Vancouver police say they were called to the scene shortly after 10 p.m. Tuesday after a report that a teen had jumped out of a moving SUV and sustained fatal injuries.
“We do not believe the girl intended for this outcome to happen,” said West Vancouver police Cpl. Jag Johal.
Investigators say there is no evidence of criminal action or that Delesalle’s exit from the vehicle was against her will. No mechanical defect was found in the vehicle.
Mahboubeh Moayed, who lives across the street from the accident scene, was watching TV at home when she noticed the flashing lights of an ambulance and police car. She said she went outside and saw the teen lying on the side of the road and a woman, believed to be the girl’s mother, who was clearly in shock.
“She could not stand on her feet,” said Moayed. “She said, “˜It mustn’t happen, it mustn’t happen.’ “
Moayed said the mother was sometimes on her feet, then kneeling as if she couldn’t muster the energy to stand. She said she offered the mother water, which she accepted.
Those who stopped by the roadside memorial Wednesday declined interviews. Counselling is being offered at West Vancouver schools.
Tributes for the teen were pouring into a Facebook memorial page Wednesday, as friends reflected on a talented, outgoing young girl.
“Murph, there are so many things i wish i could have told you . . . thank you for your beautiful smile and laughter,” wrote Sarah MacDonald.
“I love you more than you know . . . you’ll live in our hearts forever.”
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