GoFundMe launched for family of 13-year-old pedestrian killed in crash

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for the family of a 13-year-old girl who was killed in a Coquitlam car accident last week.

See also

• 13-year-old pedestrian killed after BMW allegedly jumps curb in crash
• One person dead after three-vehicle crash in Coquitlam Monday afternoon
• Two people dead after overnight hostage situation in Surrey

On the afternoon of March 25, 13-year-old Deborah Seol died after being struck by a BMW involved in a collision nearby.

RCMP say the vehicle struck a Dodge Charger attempting to make a left turn at Mariner Way and Riverview Crescent — causing the BMW to spin onto a traffic island where five children were standing. According to law enforcement, there were three girls aged 17, 13, and 10 and two boys aged 11 and six.

Two of the children, the 13-year-old girl and the six-year-old boy were taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

Unfortunately, authorities say the girl succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving.

Now, the crowd funding campaign has been set up in memory of the girl – identified by the campaign’s organizers as Deborah Seol – to help the family cope with her loss.

“A strong, beautiful, intelligent, lovely and athletic 13 year old girl, Deborah Seol’s life was taken away on Mar 25 in Coquitlam,” the campaign’s description reads.

“She and four other kids were standing at the pedestrian island and were involved a two vehicles collision. Deborah was killed.”

The organizers of the campaign identify themselves as “a group of the mother’s co-workers” who “feel the heartbroken pain.”

The other children at the intersection have been identified as her siblings and cousins.

At this very “difficult time,” they add, “any financial contribution will be of benefit to assist the family with food, bills, tuition and other daily expenses. We thank all of you for respecting the family’s privacy and they are forever grateful for your compassion.”

The campaign states that “the whole community are in shock and deep grieving” over the death of Deborah, and that “no words could express this tragedy to Deborah’s family, Deborah’s schoolmates, friends, her basketball teammates. The Seol family’s life will never be the same.”

Deborah was survived by her single mother, brother and two sisters.

“Our deepest condolences to this lovely family. We want to support them,” the description reads.

RCMP say that the drivers involved are cooperating with police and neither impairment nor distracted driving appears to be factors in the collision at this time.

Anyone who witnessed the collision take place or that has dash-cam footage is asked to contact Coquitlam RCMP Traffic Services at 604-945-1550.