Overview

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the family of 18-year-old Samantha Sinclair has been torn apart by tragedy, facing not only her traumatic accident but also the mysterious disappearance of her aunt, Leslie Shingoose. This dual burden has left them reeling as they confront a series of harrowing incidents that have marred their lives.

The Accident

On a tragic Friday morning, Samantha was involved in a severe pedestrian accident at the intersection of 6th Avenue and 4th Street S.E. She was struck by a 2024 Mack TerraPro garbage truck shortly after 9:45 a.m. Witnesses believe the collision occurred when the traffic light turned green and the truck began to turn left, just as Samantha stepped into the roadway. The impact was devastating; she was hit by the driver-side corner of the truck, causing her to fall and ultimately be run over, resulting in the amputation of her left foot.

Family's Reaction

Her mother, Felicia Severight, shared the harrowing details while sitting by her daughter’s hospital bed at the Foothills Medical Centre. "The garbage truck struck her, dragged her, then ran over her foot, which has since been amputated," she said, revealing that Samantha was reportedly distracted while using her cellphone at the time of the accident.

Injuries and Hospitalization

In addition to the loss of her foot, Samantha suffered multiple severe injuries, including a fractured collarbone, broken ribs, and extensive lacerations requiring skin grafts. As her mother noted, "She’s very heavily sedated right now… you never want to see your child in that state."

Missing Aunt

The emotional weight of this accident is compounded by the family's ongoing search for Leslie, who was last seen on January 2, 2023, while visiting Calgary during the holidays. Leslie's disappearance has left the family deeply concerned, as they have not received any credible leads since then.

Context of Pedestrian Safety

The city of Calgary has witnessed a troubling rise in pedestrian accidents, with two fatalities reported earlier this year. One of those tragic incidents involved 17-year-old Amy Tran, who lost her life while crossing Rundlehorn Drive. "Samantha is fortunate to have survived where others have not," Felicia reflected somberly.

Community Support and Advocacy

As the family navigates this tumultuous period, they are determined to advocate for enhanced pedestrian safety measures in Calgary, hoping to prevent further tragedies. The community has rallied around them, providing support during this unimaginable time. As Samantha starts her long journey to recovery, her family continues to hold on to hope for her healing and the return of their missing loved one.