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A family friend of the woman and two girls killed in a recent crash near Foam Lake, Sask., about 150 kilometres northeast of Regina, says Amber Olson was a devoted mother to two enthusiastic daughters.
“Her daughters were every bit of her life,” Cassandra Pendlebury said in a message to CBC.
Isla and Everly, aged five and eight, and 40-year-old Amber were killed when a truck trying to pass a semi collided with their SUV about nine kilometres west of Foam Lake.
“Amber had a beautiful heart and beautiful soul. She’d give the shirt off her back to anyone in need and anything possible to eat to someone hungry,” Pendlebury said.
She said Halloween and Christmas were the family’s favourite times of the year.
“If my kids weren’t at her house, her kids were at mine,” she said.
Shaun Didychuk, the girls’ father, was also in the SUV and was taken to hospital by STARS air ambulance with serious injuries.
Pendlebury set up a GoFundMe campaign to help Shaun with medical bills and funeral costs.
“Our hearts are broken as we share the devastating loss of Shaun’s beloved spouse, Amber, and their two beautiful daughters, Everly and Isla, following a tragic accident,” the page for the campaign says.
“No family should ever have to endure a loss like this, and no one should have to worry about financial burdens while grieving the people they love most.”
The campaign was halfway to its goal of $7,000 as of Monday afternoon.
Amber Olson with one of her girls. (Submitted by Debbie Ford)
The driver of the truck, 40-year-old Kelly Knopf from Sumter, S.C., and a passenger were taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life threatening. Another passenger with serious injuries was airlifted by STARS, RCMP say.
Knopf was arrested after an investigation and charged with three counts each of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm.
He is set to be transported to the Regina correctional centre Monday.
Knopf was scheduled to appear in Yorkton provincial court on the charges Monday, but was still in hospital. His lawyer, Brian Pfefferle, appeared via phone.
Yorkton provincial court, where Kelly Knopf was scheduled to appear on Monday. (Alexander Quon/CBC)
Pfefferle provided CBC with a statement on Knopf’s behalf. It said there is no indication at this time that alcohol, drugs, or excessive speed were factors in the crash.
“We are still awaiting full particulars of the allegations.”
Pfefferle said Knopf had travelled to Saskatchewan from South Carolina on a hunting trip, something he has done for several years.
“As a result, he has a connection to many in the area. He and his family are deeply grateful for the support and compassion they have received from the community as they navigate the many consequences of this tragedy which has impacted their community.”
Pfefferle said he expects to address Knopf’s release on Wednesday.
WATCH | American hunter charged in Foam Lake crash that killed 3:
American hunter charged in Foam Lake crash that killed 3
The community of Foam Lake is grieving after a collision claimed the lives of a woman and two children. Forty-year-old Kelly Knopf from Sumter, South Carolina was arrested and charged with three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.