Memorials spring up after two teen girls killed in car crash

CALGARY A growing number of memorials are being organized in a community west of Calgary to remember the victims of a fatal vehicle accident Thursday morning.

Cochrane RCMP responded to the scene of the single-vehicle collision on Range Road 32, between Township Road 251a and 250, around 12:30 a.m.

When officers arrived, they found two occupants dead and two more occupants were transported to Foothills Medical Centre, a news release said Thursday. Police confirmed that all four people involved were girls in their teens.

“It is too early to tell what factors may have contributed to this collision,” said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff of the Cochrane RCMP in a release. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, schools and communities that are affected.”

A family member confirmed to Postmedia Friday that two of the girls were sisters Daniela and Giulia Nicoletti. The other two occupants have not been publicly identified.

A growing memorial was seen at the scene of the accident on Range Road 32 Friday morning. Almost two dozen bouquets of flowers were placed on the side of the road, along with several stuffed animals and a note that reads “In loving memory.”

Two men were working on repairing a fence nearby but declined to comment. Two police officers were at the scene Friday morning.

Chestermere-strathmore MLA Leela Aheer posted a message to her official Facebook page that was signed by Darrell Lonsberry, principal of Spring Bank Community High School.

He offered his condolences and confirmed all four girls attended his school.

“As a school community, our heart is broken by this tragic loss,” wrote Aheer.

“We know that it is important for people to come together at such difficult times.”

He said that there was a planned informal gathering at the high school Friday afternoon for people to come together for support.

Jennifer Thompson, a spokeswoman for Rocky View Schools, said the school board will continue to offer support for students in the coming days and weeks.

“At this difficult time, our thoughts are with the families of the Springbank Community High School students impacted by the tragedy,” said Thompson in an email Friday.