The tight-knit town of Fort MacLeod, Alta., is grieving the loss of one of their youngest community members, after she died in a fiery car crash near Creston this week.

Marty and Janine Vanee were travelling with their three children, ages seven, four and three, in an RV along Highway 3 on Monday morning, when a Saturn SUV crossed the centre line and collided with them head-on. The RV rolled onto its back and caught fire.

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The four-year-old, a girl named Emmy, had been sleeping the back and was killed. The driver of the SUV, a 26-year-old man from the Cranbrook area, also died.

Marty remains in hospital, undergoing several surgeries to repair a broken foot, hip, ribs and nose.

Meanwhile, their community has been donating thousands to an in their name that, as of Wednesday morning, has already raised more than $24,000.

害羞草研究所淓veryone knows everyone害羞草研究所� in the 3,000-person town of Fort MacLeod, Martina Van Hierden said.

害羞草研究所淭hey are very known in the community within the churches and everyone is trying to help out,害羞草研究所� she told Black Press Media by phone.

Van Hierden said the Vanees were on their way to meet family at a campground in Castlegar, as part of a road trip to Chilliwack for the wedding of one of Marty害羞草研究所檚 13 siblings.

The entire family is heartbroken by the loss of Emmy, she added, describing the girl as a 害羞草研究所渉appy go getter害羞草研究所� who was excited about entering Kindergarten in two weeks.

害羞草研究所淚 have to tell you, Emmy always had a smile on her face and was sweet and happy.害羞草研究所�

Marty, born and raised in Fort MacLeod, works with many of his siblings at their father害羞草研究所檚 construction company, Van Hierden said. The funds raised will give him time to heal from his serious injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident, though evidence suggests the driver of the SUV was returning home after leaving late from the Shambhala Music Festival near Salmo.

Impairment hasn害羞草研究所檛 been confirmed, but Van Hierden said she hopes others see how much damage it can cause.

害羞草研究所淲e hope that people wake up and stop doing drinking and doing drugs before driving,害羞草研究所� she said, adding that she had gone through a few police roadside checks herself on her way to the Castlegar campground.

She said the family is leaning on their christian faith to get through.

害羞草研究所淭hey害羞草研究所檙e devastated, but they have their faith in God,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淭hat害羞草研究所檚 how they are coping.害羞草研究所�

ashley.wadhwani@bpdigital.ca
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