Grace Ranger died in a collision on April 16 in Greater Sudbury, just days before her 17th birthday, which she had planned to celebrate with family on Manitoulin Island. The crash happened on a foggy evening along Westmount Avenue, leaving her family in deep shock and grief.
Her sister, Nikina Ranger, shared that the loss feels especially painful because they had planned to celebrate their birthdays together for the first time. She described Grace as warm, outgoing, and deeply caring, someone who made others feel included and valued. A Grade 10 student at Lasalle Secondary School, Grace enjoyed anime, virtual reality gaming on Roblox, and watching Love Island.
Grace had many aspirations and was exploring her future while reconnecting with her cultural traditions and participating in ceremonies. A traditional service is being held April 25 at the Rabbit Island Community Centre in Wiikwemkoong, where she is resting.
A memorial has been created at the crash site, and the family hopes to gather there each year to honor her. Police say the investigation is still ongoing, though the family does not hold the driver responsible due to the heavy fog at the time of the collision.
A GoFundMe organized by a family friend is helping cover funeral expenses. Donations have already surpassed a portion of the $15,000 goal, and the family has expressed gratitude for the community’s support.