Calgary woman hit by vehicle in crosswalk says she’s lucky to be alive - driver did not stop

A Calgary woman struck in a hit-and-run may have been saved by her genetic condition

A Calgary woman is speaking out after being struck by a vehicle in a northeast crosswalk on Nov. 1 on her way to a Halloween party.

Jasmine Norman was in the marked crosswalk of 68 Avenue and Fourth Street N.E.

She made it three quarters of the way across the road when she was hit and sent flying.

“I remember actually getting hit and I remember immediate pain and then that’s kind of it,” said Norman.

“I remember after that just waking up and a really nice lady talking to me.”

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Norman says she does not remember the lead up to being hit, but remembers dodging one car before being hit.

“The car came rushing past me and I remember backing up. But as I backed up, another one had come. That’s the part that’s kind of really fuzzy,” she said.

“The sounds of the cars are still freaking me out and everything. Or if I see headlights or hear a horn, that instant I get a panic attack.”

The driver that hit Norman at 7 p.m. did not stop.

Calgary police say investigators are seeking help from the public, but at this time have yet to locate a vehicle.

“The driver of the vehicle, believed to be a newer model black sedan, fled the scene before police arrival,” read a statement from police.

“Despite circulating the area, officers were unable to locate the vehicle at the time of the collision and are asking anyone with information to come forward.”

Genetic condition saved Jasmine’s life

Norman’s mother Sarah is now asking nearby community groups to find any dashcam footage, CCTV or doorbell video to help solve this case.

“It’s really hard when one of your children, who’s technically an adult, is hurt,” said Sarah Wickson-Norman.

“When they’re little you can just kiss it better and it usually works. But I couldn’t kiss this better.”

The Normans also have genetic disorder called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which impacts connective tissue.

Symptoms generally include loose joints, stretchy skin that can bruise easily.

However, the Normans credit the disorder for keeping Jasmine alive.

“Because of our genetic condition, which is 90 per cent of the time, not favourable and a pain in the butt, this time it actually saved our little girl’s life,” Sarah said.

“The trauma doctor at Foothills said it was what saved her life. Her EDS, because we don’t often break, we just kind of move and bend and twist,” said Wickson-Norman.

“So if she’d been a regular 22-year-old crossing that crosswalk, she probably would have died or had severe, severe, severe injuries.”

Road safety issues in Calgary

On Oct. 29, at the latest police commission meeting, Calgary’s chief of police had a warning for all drivers to urge extra caution on roads.

“We need a cultural shift in how we approach road safety,” said Chief Katie McLellan.

“That means slowing down, staying alert and respecting all road users, especially our most vulnerable pedestrians, cyclists and children.”

As of Wednesday, there have been 405 injury related pedestrian collisions. There have been 12 fatalities this year and 18 non-injury collisions.

The Normans say 68 Avenue N.E. is known for street racing due to its proximity to Stoney Trail. The speed limit on the road is 60 km/h.

“What (police) told me, some witnesses said they believe it was a black SUV going about 120 (km/h). I do remember they were going a lot faster than everything else,” said Norman.

And the Norman’s are hopeful the driver is found.

“The damage alone, if someone knows somebody who has a pretty banged in and dark coloured car on the front end, it would be helpful if they would come forward and talk to the police,” said Wickson-Norman.