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Charges Filed After Fatal Boxing Day Crash in Calgary
Duane Arlen John Nepoose, a 30-year-old man, has been charged following a tragic accident that occurred on Boxing Day at the intersection of Macleod Trail and Southland Drive, which involved at least five vehicles.
Nepoose appeared in court via CCTV from the Calgary Remand Centre this morning. Dressed in a blue jumpsuit, he maintained eye contact with the camera as he responded to the judge’s questions.
He has been remanded into custody until his next court date on January 10, 2025.
According to police reports, Nepoose allegedly robbed a pharmacy in the Millrise area of southwest Calgary and assaulted the pharmacist on the morning of December 26. Subsequently, he led authorities on a chase in a stolen minivan, ultimately running a red light and colliding with two other vehicles at the intersection.
Dashcam footage acquired by Global News shows the stolen vehicle racing through the intersection mere moments before the crash.
Amanda Reitmeier-Desjardins was driving one of the vehicles involved in the collision, accompanied by her daughters, Victoria, 9, and Madison, 12.
All three were taken to the hospital in critical condition, where unfortunately, little Victoria later passed away due to her injuries.
Impact of the Incident
The driver of the second vehicle struck by Nepoose was also hospitalized, but is currently in stable condition. A secondary collision ensued as a result of the initial crash, which caused minor injuries to four additional individuals in two more vehicles.
Madison Reitmeier-Desjardins has since been discharged from the hospital but remains in a neck brace. Her mother, Amanda, is still receiving critical care, grappling with fractures in her pelvis and back.
In response to the tragic accident, a GoFundMe page for the Reitmeier-Desjardins family has been created, amassing over $200,000 in donations to support them during this challenging time.
After the crash, law enforcement stated that their pursuit of the stolen minivan had been discontinued due to Nepoose’s reckless driving. Nevertheless, the vehicle continued to be tracked by a police helicopter.
The collision involved five vehicles, leading to the closure of Macleod Trail for several hours as investigators worked at the scene.
Nepoose is facing 11 charges, including robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, fleeing from a police officer, dangerous driving, and several counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm and death. Investigators are looking into speed and possible drug impairment as contributing factors to the crash.
During his next court appearance, Nepoose is expected to consult with a doctor to ascertain whether he should undergo a 30-day psychiatric evaluation.
A GoFundMe campaign supporting the Reitmeier-Desjardins family remains active, reflecting the community’s effort to assist the victims’ family in the wake of this devastating incident.
Source
globalnews.ca