Abegweit First Nation in mourning after death of 15-year-old girl
CBC
Residents of Abegweit First Nation are in mourning after the death of 15-year-old Chailo Jadis.
The teen died after being struck by a pickup truck in Alexandra, P.E.I., at around midnight Saturday, police say.
"It's every father's worst nightmare to get that call late at night," said Chief Junior Gould of the First Nation about 25 kilometres northeast of Charlottetown.
He called it an "unimaginable loss" and said the teen's parents are "in a bad spot," but have their families and other members of the community to support them.
RCMP from the Queens District detachment were alerted to the tragedy while responding to a complaint about a group of about 30-40 youth gathered around a bonfire near the Wharf Road in Alexandra, said RCMP Sgt. Craig Eveleigh.
"While we were there dispersing the youth, we heard a call for help," Eveleigh said. "It came from a truck driver and passenger who [said] they believed they had just struck somebody on the ground."
Police found Jadis at the side of the truck and called EMS, he said. However, the teen died at the scene.
The driver of the pickup truck and the passenger remained at the scene to answer questions, Eveleigh said. Police said while teens were drinking at the scene, the driver showed no signs of impairment.
Police continue to investigate and no charges have been laid.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Queens District RCMP at 902-368-9300. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Gould said Jadis was a "young, inspiring woman" with lots of friends both on and off reserve.
On Monday night, a community feast and ceremony were being planned in her memory.
The community also plans to name a new youth centre in Jadis's honour. It will be known as "Chi's Place: 15 Forever."
"It has to be more than just an RCMP media release ... because she was more than that," Gould said of the girl's death.
