Child in medically induced coma faces ‘uphill’ recovery following hit-and-run crash in Brampton

Brampton | Caledon | Latest News |

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Published August 11, 2023 at 10:58 am

brampton crash six injured

A mother and her two children have a long road to recovery following a crash with a stolen truck in Brampton that left one child in a coma and killed their family dog.

Samantha Ritchie was on her way home with the family dog and her 8- and 12-year-old children when they parked at a red light at Airport Rd. and Clark Blvd. in Brampton around 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 3.

Richie’s cousin Dana Doyle says the family was headed back from a dog training course when their vehicle was hit by the driver of a stolen pick-up truck “at high speed.”

Peel Regional Police said four vehicles were involved in the crash. Six people, including Ritchie and her two children, were rushed to hospital And while no people died in the crash the family’s dog was killed.

Doyle said Richie and her children suffered extensive injuries, and 8-year-old Nixon is in a medically induced coma.

“They have all undergone surgeries, and there are likely more to come. Tragically their beloved rescue dog Finnegan did not survive the crash,” reads a GoFundMe page started by Doyle to raise funds for the family’s medical expenses.

A single mother and special education teacher, Dolye says Ritchie “is constantly giving back to her community, and lives for her kids.”

The fundraiser has already seen more than $28,000 in donations of a $50,000 goal as of 10:30 a.m. on Friday (Aug. 11). And while Doyle said the money will help relieve some financial strain, nothing can change “the steep uphill climb” the family is facing.

Video of the collision shared online shows a black pick-up truck crashed into the back of a mangled white SUV. Police say the driver of the pick-up, which was reported stolen, took off on foot and police have yet to release any suspect information.

Anyone with information on the crash can contact Peel Regional Police by calling the non-emergency line at 905-453-3311. You can also leave an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

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