Vancouver first responders urged to ask for help in wake of crash that killed toddler

Editor’s note: Vancouver police have issued a correction to its previous statement that the child was 11 months old. The girl was, in fact, 23 months old.

This article has been updated to reflect this correction.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As the community mourns the loss of a toddler who was killed after being hit by a vehicle in Downtown Vancouver, first responders who were called to the heartbreaking scene are being urged to ask for help if they need it.

In a series of tweets, a Vancouver Police inspector says incidents, like the crash that happened Tuesday evening near the courthouse, can take a toll on those who respond to the scene.

“In the last few days, three Lower Mainland children under the age of five have either been killed or been placed in imminent danger of death or serious bodily harm,” wrote Sandra Glendinning, referring to two other incidents in recent days involving young children.

On Monday, a five-year-old child was found dead inside a Surrey home that had been lit on fire. The tragic discovery came after the mother was assaulted in what is believed to be a case of domestic violence, including a stabbing.

Earlier that day, two VPD officers were stabbed in Chinatown while they were responding to a call about a “forcible confinement involving a two-year-old child.” The child was later confirmed to be safe.

“These are called ‘critical incidents’ and weigh heavy on first responders,” one of Glendinning’s tweets reads.

Glendinning goes on to say the VPD’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team is there to provide support for members responding to such calls, urging her colleagues to reach out for help if they need it.

“As CISM are fellow officers, there is a level of trust as CISM begins the process of helping involved members begin their journey in dealing with what they’ve experienced. It’s a process of information sharing, support, and referrals if required,” the VPD inspector explained.

“The tragedies of recent days are not normal occurrences, even in an environment where police officers and other first responders regularly attend ‘not normal’ occurrences,” she later wrote, adding, “And it’s okay to not be okay.”

Cst. Tania Visintin also shared similar messaging Wednesday, when she provided an update on the case.

“Any time we deal with trauma is always bad, but when it comes to dealing with little, innocent kids, it’s probably the ultimate worst,” she said, commending the level of support provided by the VPD for its members.

Visintin said in her update that police arrested one of the drivers involved in the crash but that charges had not been recommended.

In an email Friday, the VPD said the driver had been released from custody “pending further investigation.”

“Investigators are working towards recommending charges in the near future,” the statement adds.

On Tuesday, after 6 p.m., police say an SUV collided with a high-end sports car along Smithe Street, near Hornby Street, sending one vehicle up onto the curb where the father was walking and carrying his daughter. The toddler died at the scene while her 31-year-old dad was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Though charges are not on the table for the arrested driver as of yet, Visintin did say speed, alcohol, or drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.

Meanwhile, a memorial is growing where the tragic collision took place. People have been leaving flowers and messages for the infant and her family. It appears a GoFundMe page has also been set up for the family, to help cover funeral costs.

“Ocean, I wish that I could have met you in a different circumstance,” reads one comment, written by a person whose name matches that of a VPD member. “You will be in my heart and memory forever. I promise you that my team and I will do everything that we can to ensure this injustice never happens again. Rest in peace. Till we meet again.”


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The GoFundMe says the child’s name was Ocean, and that she was a “beautiful, sweet little girl.”

Investigators continue to ask for witnesses or anyone with dash-cam footage from the area of Hornby and Smithe streets to contact the VPD at 604.717.3012.

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