FORT MCMURRAY, Alberta — The teenage daughter of a Canadian deputy fire chief was killed in a highway collision while evacuating Fort McMurray Wednesday.
The Huffington Post reported that Emily Ryan, 15, and her cousin died after their SUV collided with a logging truck. The crash caused a large fire that temporarily closed the highway.
Ryan’s father, Saprae Creek Deputy Fire Chief Cranley Ryan, was relieved of active duty when he received the news to be with his grieving family.
Emily Ryan was one of three triplets, who was described by her sister, Chelsi, “loving, always hugging or cuddling … a wonderfully creative person.”
Upon hearing of Emily’s death, Chelsi told The Star that her father’s colleagues worked tirelessly to save their home in an effort to preserve memories and items that belonged to Emily.
“Ultimately, it’s still a shock, the grief comes in waves,” Chelsi told CBC News. “It’s tragedy, layered on tragedy.
RCMP have confirmed two people died in fiery crash on Highway 881 & RR 94. We have not heard if the fire is out. pic.twitter.com/vK7xBSgYsP
— Erin Chalmers (@ChalmersErin) May 4, 2016