Students at a Woodbridge high school are grieving the death of a young classmate following a tragic accident on Thursday.
The victim has been identified by friends as 16-year-old Catherine Tran. She was hit by a transit bus and pinned under the vehicle at around 3:45pm on Pine Valley Drive between Langstaff and Highway 7.
The road was closed for several hours while police investigated.
Tran was a student at Woodbridge College High School, where flags were at half mast Friday.
Friends and classmates who witnessed the tragedy were also left reliving the traumatic moments.
“She got off the bus … she just ran across,” said a friend named Anthony. “I went to change seats and the next thing I know she was struck … it’s very difficult, I cried a bit this morning.”
Witness Jackie Pansino kneeled by the teen while EMS workers rushed to the scene, trying to comfort the badly-injured victim.
“I was talking to her saying, ‘help is on the way,’” Pansino recalled. “She was just in pain … she just faded away from us.”
Tran is described as a popular, outgoing student.
“It’s a very sombre school,” admitted Woodbridge College Principal Deborah Conrad-Knight. “This is a tragic accident and it’s left everyone feeling quite sad.”
The bus driver was so distraught he was taken to hospital following the fatal accident. There’s no word on whether charges will be laid.
Students at a Woodbridge high school are grieving the death of a young classmate following a tragic accident on Thursday.
The victim has been identified by friends as 16-year-old Catherine Tran. She was hit by a transit bus and pinned under the vehicle at around 3:45pm on Pine Valley Drive between Langstaff and Highway 7.
The road was closed for several hours while police investigated.
Tran was a student at Woodbridge College High School, where flags were at half mast Friday.
Friends and classmates who witnessed the tragedy were also left reliving the traumatic moments.
“She got off the bus … she just ran across,” said a friend named Anthony. “I went to change seats and the next thing I know she was struck … it’s very difficult, I cried a bit this morning.”
Witness Jackie Pansino kneeled by the teen while EMS workers rushed to the scene, trying to comfort the badly-injured victim.
“I was talking to her saying, ‘help is on the way,’” Pansino recalled. “She was just in pain … she just faded away from us.”
Tran is described as a popular, outgoing student.
“It’s a very sombre school,” admitted Woodbridge College Principal Deborah Conrad-Knight. “This is a tragic accident and it’s left everyone feeling quite sad.”
The bus driver was so distraught he was taken to hospital following the fatal accident. There’s no word on whether charges will be laid.
About 10 years ago, I had the honor,joy and priveledge to meet you when your dad and I picked you up from school. That day you called me Uncle and although we are not related …….. we are. Although distance has moved me to another city, your dad over the years has become like a brother to me. And when we would see each other and he would speak of you and Elizabeth……….. I cannot put in words the amount of love and happiness that would emulate, beam and shine through his eyes when he spoke of you both. A love so deep and strong that will never end…… That day 10 years ago I remember a bright eyed sweet young girl ready to give her love and care to the world. In a short time you have done that and truly affected those around you in such a positive way. With everything I read and see and hear– Elizabeth, Alice and everyone involved in the charity organization it is truly heartwarming and moving, truly
beautiful acts of love. Keep on and strong.
Remember its never goodbye — just see U later.
Unfortunately death is inevitable but necessary in this life. But what we do in between with our lives that is the key.Everyday can be rebirth of life and love… Help and love one another, thats it. That is truly all we need to do and remember in this lifelesson…. Much LOVE to all the Tran family and to all who read this and may 2010 bring you all more love than ever.
R.I.P
Catherine Tran
Although I did not know you personally,
I hope that wherever you are you are resting in peace.
I’m so sorry for you’re loss Alice Tran <3
Dear Catherine
About 10 years ago, I had the honor,joy and priveledge to meet you when your dad and I picked you up from school. That day you called me Uncle and although we are not related …….. we are. Although distance has moved me to another city, your dad over the years has become like a brother to me. And when we would see each other and he would speak of you and Elizabeth……….. I cannot put in words the amount of love and happiness that would emulate, beam and shine through his eyes when he spoke of you both. A love so deep and strong that will never end…… That day 10 years ago I remember a bright eyed sweet young girl ready to give her love and care to the world. In a short time you have done that and truly affected those around you in such a positive way. With everything I read and see and hear– Elizabeth, Alice and everyone involved in the charity organization it is truly heartwarming and moving, truly
beautiful acts of love. Keep on and strong.
Remember its never goodbye — just see U later.
Unfortunately death is inevitable but necessary in this life. But what we do in between with our lives that is the key.Everyday can be rebirth of life and love… Help and love one another, thats it. That is truly all we need to do and remember in this lifelesson…. Much LOVE to all the Tran family and to all who read this and may 2010 bring you all more love than ever.
Ken Lew and family xoxox