GoFundMe page set up for family of Syrian refugee, 9, killed in Abbotsford

ABBOTSFORD (NEWS 1130) – The Abbotsford Islamic Centre says a nine-year-old Syrian refugee who was struck and killed by a bus on Friday was laid to rest on Saturday.

The girl, identified by the Abbotsford Islamic Centre as Hala Albarhoum, came to the Fraser Valley with her family more than a year ago as a government-sponsored refugee, according to an online fundraising campaign set up by a family friend.

Adnan Bhat is a friend of the family and, with the Abbotsford Islamic Centre, has set up the GoFundMe campaign for the family.

It has already raised more than $23,000, which is set to go towards the cost of the funeral and will help the family purchase a vehicle.

“The campaign was set up not to help the family cope with the loss of their daughter, because money can’t replace that, but to provide them with financial stability while they cope with the loss,” says Bhat.

“The page was set up so that they don’t have to worry about finances while they cope with this huge loss that they’ve just encountered.”

“They are trying to stay strong for the three siblings Hala left behind. They are constantly and constantly praying to stay positive, to stay strong, for Hala.”

Bhat says he’s not surprised by the outpouring of support.

“Canadians are known for their generosity and their kindness, and I think this is just another reflection of how the community behaves when one of us gets into trouble.”

“Words cannot describe the emotions one goes through when we see such acts of unity in our community.”

Several departments are investigating Albarhoum’s death including the major crime unit and BC Commercial Vehicle Safety.

BC Transit president Manuel Achadinha said in a statement on Friday that he is “extremely saddened” to hear of the girl’s death and the agency’s thoughts are with her family, the driver and others who witnessed the event.

Abbotsford Police Sgt. Judy Bird said it’s too early to say how fast the bus was travelling.

“At that time of morning, it was still quite dark, as well as our weather conditions were very rainy, so there was some visibility issues. But at this time we are at the very preliminary stages of investigation.”

The Abbotsford Police Department Major Crime Unit detectives, Collision Reconstructionists, Patrol Division officers and BC Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Investigators are all investigating.

“The school board will also be looking into it. This is quite a complex investigation as to how we can try to prevent this from ever happening again. Our detectives will be talking to people who were in the area, such as businesses, other pedestrians and vehicles that were in the area.”

She adds the investigation is expected to take a while. “Due to the fact that you have a complete reconstruction of the actual incident through graphs, measurements, digital recordings and laser measurements.”

Bird says aside from the investigation, they’ll also be meeting with school administrators. “To see what we can to support the family and this community the best we can. As well, reviewing some safety initiatives to try and remind people during the winter months when it’s darker, how we can best watch out for each other and other pedestrians as well.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the APD at 604-859-5225, to text APD at 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477.