A Cambridge family is mourning the tragic loss of their three-year-old daughter, who was struck and killed in a collision on December 11. The girl, who was in a stroller being pushed by her mother, Shihan Shea, was walking on Cedar Street near the Westgate Centre plaza when a vehicle hit them. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the child succumbed to her injuries.
Her mother expressed her heartbreak, saying, “She was our angel, she was our everything. My heart hurts more than I can bear.” In line with Indigenous cultural practices, the family has asked that the girl’s name not be publicly shared for the next year as they honor her journey with the Creator.
The 75-year-old driver of the vehicle, a man from Cambridge, was uninjured in the crash. The Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Services Unit is investigating the incident, though no new details have been released, and no charges have been laid at this time.
In response to the tragedy, a sacred fire ceremony was held at the Ga’nigǫhi:yo Indigenous Child Care and Family Centre in Cambridge to help guide the child’s spirit. The ceremony will continue for four days, offering the community a space for mourning and support.
Though the details leading up to the collision are still under investigation, the girl’s parents are advocating for changes to road safety laws to prevent other families from experiencing similar pain. Spencer MacDonald, the girl’s father, is calling for an automatic temporary license suspension for any driver involved in a fatal crash until a full investigation is completed. He stressed that this is not a judgment of guilt but a necessary safety measure.
While grappling with their grief, Shea and MacDonald continue to honor their daughter’s memory. “Your smile lit up our world, and you’ll be deeply missed,” Shea said, recalling her daughter’s laughter and spirited personality. “Rest peacefully my little unicorn, my princess.”