Family of Stoney Trail hit-and-run victim offers 'heartfelt thanks' to those who tried to save her
Gaganpreet Singh, 25, charged with hit and run causing death
The woman who was killed on Stoney Trail as Good Samaritans tried to save her life has been identified as Heather Brent, 57, a registered nurse from Calgary.
As online tributes were posted to Brent on Friday, the man accused of fleeing the scene after striking the victim's vehicle made his first court appearance.
Gaganpreet Singh's case was briefly in court on Friday as lawyer Joseph Beller appeared on behalf of defence lawyer Ian Savage, putting the matter over to next week as Savage is in discussions with the Crown regarding a release plan.
Singh, 25, has been in custody since his arrest on Thursday.
In an online obituary, Brent was described as a woman who "poured her heart into the care and happiness of all those around her."
Brent was a registered nurse who devoted her career to caring for the elderly, according to the obituary.
Family offers 'heartfelt thanks'
On Tuesday shortly before midnight, Brent was driving southbound on Stoney Trail N.W. near Nose Hill Drive when her car was struck from behind by what police believed to be a semi-trailer truck.
The driver of the semi fled the scene, according to Calgary police.
A road maintenance crew came upon the scene and began providing emergency aid to Brent.
Moments later, a Dodge truck, driven by a 21-year-old, crashed into a post-and-cable barrier, "ultimately striking the woman and then hitting the rear of the maintenance truck," according to CPS.
Brent was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead.
Arrest made
In the obituary, the family thanked the crew and first responders for their efforts in trying to save Brent's life.
"The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Carmacks roadway maintenance workers, Calgary police, Fire and EMS members who rendered aid in Heather's final moments."
On Thursday, police announced they had located the truck believed to be involved in the hit-and-run collision in Rocky View County.
Singh was arrested and charged with hit and run and hit and run causing death.
Police are still looking for any witnesses to the crashes or any drivers who have dash cam footage.
Singh does not have a criminal record but court records show he was charged under the Traffic Safety Act with speeding and being the owner of a motor vehicle involved in a collision in February 2024. He was fined $243 in that case.
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