Calgary family speaks out after Edmonton collision seriously injures daughter, kills father
Posted Feb 14, 2026 8:46 am.
The family of a Calgary father killed and daughter seriously injured following a collision in the Edmonton area on the Anthony Henday is speaking out.
Laurel Cousens, the aunt of 21-year-old Victoria Fortuna, describes her as vibrant, outgoing, and energetic.
Fortuna and her father, Paul, both from Calgary, were on the side of the Anthony Hendy, the ring road that encircles Edmonton, changing a tire on Feb. 8, when a car collided with their vehicles.
The 21-year-old was rushed to the hospital in a life-threatening condition, while she lost her father, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the RCMP.
“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 said.
“They had the same kind of sense of humour, they loved to do the same thing. They loved to go skiing together and camping together.”
Cousens says Fortuna loves the arts, even appearing in productions at Calgary’s StoryBook Theatre. Fortuna decided to pursue it further by studying fine arts at MacEwan University.
“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,” she said.
As Fortuna fights for her life, her family is rallying around her, setting up a GoFundMe, as they expect potentially months, even years of recovery.
“Victoria will need prosthetics to move forward, ” Cousens said. “At some point, Victoria — in her recovery journey — is going to need a specialized vehicle with hand controls.”
RCMP tell CityNews they are still investigating the collision, with witnesses saying the vehicle that hit Fortuna and her father was seen driving on the shoulder.
For Cousens and the family, as that investigation continues, she hopes motorists keep this in mind while they are driving.
“Please, when you are driving, please pay attention. We are wanting that message to be out there that any kind of distracted driving has catastrophic consequences,” she said.
