The family of a young Burnaby woman killed in a hit-and-run earlier this month is focusing on honouring her life and leaving the case against the alleged driver who took it in the hands of the courts.
In statement to the NOW, Emily Sheane’s family thanked the RCMP and staff at the Skimmerhorn Inn in Creston for helping to apprehend the suspect involved in the deadly crash.
“Emily was taken in a careless moment, and a hundred lifetimes could not heal the loss in our lives and the burning in our hearts,” the family said. “We place our trust in the justice system to do what is right. At this time, we wish for everyone to focus on honouring and remembering Emily by celebrating the gifts she brought into this world.”
On Thursday, Burnaby Mounties announced the charges against Burnaby’s Ibrahim Ali, 25, for dangerous driving causing death and failing to stop at an accident causing bodily harm from the March 9 incident.
He made a court appearance last week and is expected to return to court on the charges March 23.
The deadly crash occurred March 9 just before midnight, when a car travelling east on Moscrop Street was hit by an SUV, which was heading southbound through a red light at Willingdon Avenue and Deer Lake Parkway.
The driver and passenger in the SUV allegedly took off on foot
An 18-year-old woman also suspected of being in the SUV has not been charged.
The Sheane family held a celebration of life in Burnaby Sunday and in their statement, offered a glimpse of the young Burnaby woman.
“Those who crossed paths with Emily experienced her infectious spirit and gravitated towards her beacon of light. Her smile was unforgettable. Curiosity for the world propelled her to embrace adventure and travel as far as Australia and Central America. Along the way she touched lives and formed meaningful connections. Beyond her travels, she built lasting friendships close to home. Joe Fortes Restaurant became her second family, where she held unbreakable bonds. With her hula hoop dancing around her, we witnessed Emily in her truest form: a free spirit with all of her love and beauty to give. She embraced this passion enthusiastically with fellow hula hoopers in the community, actively sharing her art form with the world.”
Burnaby RCMP Staff Sgt. Maj. John Buis noted the case has had an impact on officers and everyone working on the investigation.
“Naturally, we’re pleased we have this person in custody and they’ve been charged,” he said, noting it’s still too early in the investigation to say whether more charges will be laid.
The two suspects were arrested four days after the crash in Creston, trying to check into a local motel.
Court records show a person with the same name as Ali and birthdate of 1990, is facing several other charges for unrelated matters, including driving while prohibited and failing to stop for police from an incident dated Feb. 2 in Burnaby.
Sheane’s friends and family have also set up an online fundraiser to help pay her funeral services. By Monday, more than $29,000 had been raised. Any excess funds raised will be donated to the Police Victim Services of British Columbia.
For more information https://www.gofundme.com/emilysheane.
