A trust fund has been created for three young girls who lost their parents in a horrific crash at a bus stop in downtown Ottawa.
Leo Paul Regnier and his wife SherrieAnn were run down when a sports car jumped a curb on Albert Street Thursday night. Leo Paul was killed instantly; SherrieAnn was critically injured. She died in hospital over the weekend.
The couple leaves behind three daughters: Serah, 15, Jessica, 14, and Isabella, 10.
The family lived in a co-operative housing community in south Ottawa for the past three years. Neighbours who knew them, said the family was close-knit and always together.
"It's devastating. Everybody's talking about it and just can't believe what happened to such a good family," said neighbour Karen McDonald.
"I was just devastated to know that a family is wiped out there now. The mother and father are gone and the kids are left with nobody," added neighbour Annette King.
Leo Paul, known simply as Paul, was on the co-operative board. He was described as a 'gentle giant' who was always willing to help.
He spent the past 10 years working as a program analyst in the safety and security group at Transport Canada. Colleagues remembered him fondly, saying he was a family man who left behind many friends.
"He was known for his good humour, amiable nature, strong work ethic, and excellent skills," read a memo sent to employees on Friday.
Regnier's colleagues have set up a special bank account for the couple's daughters. Donations can be made to the Regnier Special Account at any Bank of Montreal location, starting on Tuesday.
Ottawa police say upgraded charges are pending against the 20-year-old driver charged in the crash. Simon Banke appeared in court over the weekend. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday.
Police are continuing to ask witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact investigators at 613-236-1222, ext. 2481 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS).
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem
