The family of a woman who was struck in a hit and run while riding her scooter in Saanich earlier this month is speaking out.
The hit and run happened at the intersection of McKenzie and Shelbourne at 7 a.m. on July 15.
Aisha Strange, 20, was struck by a van while sitting on her moped and later placed into a medically induced coma. She has not regained consciousness since.
The driver who hit her attempted to flee the scene but was arrested nearby soon after, according to police. He is currently being investigated for impaired driving offences.
"Aisha suffered multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury that will impact her short and long-term future in unknowable ways," her aunt Sue Nicholls said in a statement.
"Aisha is a kind and generous person, who delights in adding humour and joy to the people around her. She’s a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to so many people that love her dearly. The community of people that Aisha touches in such positive ways are all suffering from this senseless act."
The tragedy happened while Strange was on her way to her summer job working with kids, Nicholls said. She is a student at the University of Victoria studying political science and anthropology, both subjects she is passionate about.
The events have been a nightmare for Strange's loved ones, Nicholls said, and her parents who live in Calgary have dropped everything to move to Victoria to be with her. Doctors say her recovery will be a long and arduous one.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe page to support Strange and her parents in the recovery process.
In an update on the fundraising site, Nicholls said Strange is now breathing on her own through a tracheotomy. The family hopes she'll be able to be moved back to Calgary in the coming weeks.
Read the full statement below:
On July 15th at 7:00 am, on her way to work, Aisha Strange was the victim of a hit and run on McKenzie and Shelbourne in Victoria.
She was struck by a van while sitting on her moped. The driver who hit her attempted to flee the scene but was arrested a short distance away. He is now being investigated for impaired driving offences. Aisha suffered multiple broken bones and a traumatic brain injury that will impact her short and long-term future in unknowable ways. This bright, vibrant and innocent young lady has been in a coma since the time of the accident and it remains uncertain when she will regain consciousness.
The tragedy happened while Aisha was on her way to her summer job, where she adored her role working with a diverse and special group of kids. She is a student at the University of Victoria studying political science and anthropology, both subjects for which she has a huge passion. She has plans of one day going to law school or further pursuing her love of teaching. Aisha is a kind and generous person, who delights in adding humour and joy to the people around her. She's a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to so many people that love her dearly. The community of people that Aisha touches in such positive ways are all suffering from this senseless act.
The results of this senseless act have been a nightmare for her family and friends. Aisha's parents, who live in Calgary, have dropped everything to move their lives to Victoria and be with her. Doctors say recovery from her injuries will be a very long journey, with unpredictable outcomes. If you want to help and are able to contribute, funds raised will be used to support transportation, adaptive living, and a host of other supports for this amazing family during this devastating time and for their uncertain future.
The family ask that you respect their privacy in this difficult time. Any further questions can be sent to family member Sue Nicholls (suenicholls@shaw.ca).
