Memory to live on

Photo: Contributed - GoFundMe

The family of a young Grindrod woman, killed in a car crash in Vernon early Sunday, has started a scholarship fund in her name.

Carlee De Boer, 20, and her friend, Paige Whitelaw, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene on Highway 6 at Waddington Drive. Two male passengers from Enderby were injured.

The 21-year-old male driver from Armstrong is under investigation.

“On March 6, we lost a true angel and bright light that touched so many lives near and far with her contagious smile and overall great personality,” reads a post on the GoFundMe website where the family has opened an account.

“Carlee was well-known in the community where she spent most of her childhood at the river soaking up the rays and water-skiing on her beloved Shuswap River. She loved life and everything it had to offer. She played many sports, all of which she was a star at and was always a firecracker on the team, a true team player.”

The A. L. Fortune graduate was attending Okanagan College in Kelowna where she met and made friends with Whitelaw, who is from Ladysmith.

“Most of you who knew Carlee knew she didn't like flowers. She thought they were a waste of money. Therefore, it has been decided to start a scholarship in her name in-lieu of flowers so her candid memory can live on forever and continue to make a positive impact on people’s lives,” says the post.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be determined, but the family is asking that instead of flowers a donation be made in her name.

More than $10,000 has already been raised.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP Traffic Services continue to investigate the deaths.