The incident occurred in Edmonton, Canada on Sunday, Feb. 8
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- Paul Fortuna was killed and his daughter, Victoria, severely injured in a collision in Edmonton, Canada, on Sunday, Feb. 8
- According to local reports, the pair were changing a flat tire when another vehicle struck them
- Victoria will “need intensive, long-term psychological support to cope with the trauma and life-altering impact of her injuries,” according to a fundraiser
A father is dead after being struck by a vehicle while he was changing his daughter's flat car tire in Canada.
On Sunday, Feb. 8, Victoria Fortuna was on Anthony Henday Drive in Edmonton when she called her dad, Paul Fortuna, for help changing a flat tire, according to City News Calgary and Global News.
Paul, 53, and Victoria, 21, parked their vehicles on the shoulder of the highway once he arrived, the outlets reported. Another vehicle struck the pair as they were changing the tire.
Victoria's aunt, Laurel Cousens, said, per Global News, “They were getting the equipment out to change the flat tire and another driver plowed into the back of the second vehicle and pinned the two of them between the two SUVs."
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The Strathcona County Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed to the outlet that a Jeep Grand Cherokee collided with the father, daughter and their vehicles, a Chevy Suburban and an Acura MDX.
Paul was pronounced dead at the scene, while Victoria remains in the ICU, per Global News.
“It is just overwhelming, the road ahead of her to rebuild her life,” Cousens said.
Both of Victoria's legs have been amputated, the outlet reported, citing her family. She has also reportedly undergone many other surgeries.
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Victoria had been studying fine arts at MacEwan University after moving from Calgary to Edmonton.
“She was expected to graduate in 2027; that is obviously on pause now. Unfortunately, instead of being able to study she’s now fighting for her life in the hospital,” Cousens told City News Calgary.
“It was obvious she was a daddy’s girl. Her and her dad had a special bond. From a young age, they were kindred spirits,” Cousens added.
A GoFundMe page set up following the incident has raised over $180,000 towards its $250,000 goal. In the description, organizers said Fortuna will need "specialized mobility equipment, including wheelchairs and prosthetics."
"She will also need intensive, long-term psychological support to cope with the trauma and life-altering impact of her injuries," they added.
PEOPLE has contacted Strathcona County RCMP, Edmonton Police Service and GoFundMe for further comment.
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