Fort Saskatchewan mother identified as victim in fatal hit-and-run with U-Haul truck

The woman who was killed in southeast Edmonton by a U-Haul truck fleeing police Saturday evening has been identified as a Fort Saskatchewan mother.

Kassandra Gartner, who worked at the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, is being described as a “beloved wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and a pillar in our community,” the food bank wrote on social media.

“Through her years of service, Kassandra touched the lives of many through her dedication to our Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, leaving an everlasting mark on our community.”

The U-Haul truck was fleeing police from Beaumont to Edmonton after officers tried to arrest a suspect in the parked truck, police said. The driver sped off and later rammed an RCMP vehicle.

Police later deployed a spike belt, which disabled several civilian vehicles – including Gartner’s – as well as the suspect’s truck. Police say the 45-year-old mother was struck and killed by the U-Haul while checking on the damage to her vehicle.

The U-Haul came to a stop outside a gas station and convenience store at 50 Street and 22 Avenue SW. The driver fled again, this time in a stolen Honda Civic with a child inside, according to police. The child was later found unharmed. The suspect remains on the loose.

A candlelight vigil for Gartner is scheduled for Thursday evening at the Fort Saskatchewan City Hall.

“We will forever cherish the memories Kassandra leaves behind. Her presence will be greatly missed but her spirit will continue to inspire us all,” wrote the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank, which is collecting donations in Gartner’s memory.