Girl, 15, dead after being fatally struck by driver in Brampton

A man is facing charges after a Brampton collision, which appeared to involve alcohol, left a 15-year-old girl dead, Peel Regional Police say.

The crash happened in the area of McLaughlin Road North and Horwood Drive. Officers were called to the area at about 8:10 p.m. on Friday for report of a collision involving two vehicles and pedestrians.

A 15-year-old girl was taken to hospital where she later died, Peel police spokesperson Richard Chin said in a video posted to X Saturday.

Chin said police believe a Honda civic was traveling north on McLaughlin and turning left on Horwood, at the same time a Volkswagen was traveling south on McLaughlin. The Volkswagen struck the turning vehicle, he said.

"The impact of this collision caused the Volkswagen to spin and mount the sidewalk ... striking [the] victim who was walking with a friend on the sidewalk," Chin said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are of course with the victim and her family."

Chin said the other pedestrian suffered minor injuries that were treated by paramedics at the scene.

A 36-year-old Mississauga man — the owner of the Honda — was charged with failure or refusal to comply with a breath demand, dangerous operation causing death and turn not in safety. 

"It does appear that alcohol was a contributing factor to this tragic incident and I would emphatically remind people to please do not drink and drive," Chin said.

Friends mourn girl who died

A makeshift memorial at the scene of the crash grew on Saturday as friends and community members placed flowers and balloons, even as debris from the crash lay nearby.

Annabelle Evans, a friend of the victim, wore matching shirts bearing their late friend's name.

"It's unreal. I feel like this is a dream," said Evans.

Caitlynn Brown, also 14, said she had multiple panic attacks Friday after learning what happened.

"Yesterday, it hit me really hard. It just sucked and I wanted to be there for everyone," she said.

"Today, it feels weird because like you just know that she's not here, but she is. She's here."

Callie Brown, 16, remembered her as a kind person.

"She was very outgoing and she loved everybody. She made everybody laugh," she said.

Officers closed McLaughlin Road North between Flowertown Road and Queen Street West as police investigated the crash Friday night, but roads have since reopened. 

An investigation into the cause of the collision is underway.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or have DashCam footage is asked to contact police.