Calgary Herald

Beloved siblings identified as the victims of Wednesday’s fatal crash

- BRYAN PASSIFIUME bpassifium­e@postmedia.com

The victims of Wednesday’s deadly crash in a southeast supermarke­t parking lot are being remembered as loyal friends who died far too soon.

Ritvik Bale, 20, was behind the wheel of his red Scion FR- S when he was struck broadside by a black pickup truck as he was pulling out of the 130 Ave. S.E. Real Canadian Superstore parking lot.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the passenger seat was his 24-year-old sister, Rashmi, who was rushed to hospital in critical condition but later died of her injuries.

The 39-year-old driver of the pickup truck was also taken to hospital after the crash, which officials believe was triggered by a medical episode.

He was released from hospital Friday.

Rashmi’s Facebook page described her as a recent graduate of the University of Leicester’s law school.

Longtime friend Michael Bartman remembered Ritvik as somebody who worked hard to improve the lives of those around him.

“Ritvik was one of the kindest souls you could ever meet,” he said Friday.

“It breaks my heart to see Ritvik pass — he was a huge part of the reason I move on in life today.”

Bartman described Ritvik as an avid car enthusiast who enjoyed gaming and spending time with friends.

“It’s sad to see him go — many of our friends are mourning his loss,” he said.

Among those sharing memories is Ryan Stasila, who is still coming to grips with the tragic news.

“He’s the most kind, caring, generous and positive guy I’ve ever met.

“I was in total disbelief when I heard the news the night of the accident,” he said.

“How could something like this happen to such a good person?”

A friend of the Bale family since junior high school, Zac Telehanic described an instant friendship that will continue long after his passing.

“Ritvik Bale was a wonderful man — more than a brother to me,” he said. “He was a huge part of my life, I’ve known the guy since Grade 7.

“I wish I could’ve been able to see him more often — he was very thoughtful and always put a smile on people’s faces when they were down.”

He’s the most kind, caring, generous and positive guy I’ve ever met ... How could something like this happen?

 ?? FACEBOOK ?? Ritvik, left, and Rashmi Bale were victims of a deadly crash in the parking lot of a Real Canadian Superstore on Wednesday.
FACEBOOK Ritvik, left, and Rashmi Bale were victims of a deadly crash in the parking lot of a Real Canadian Superstore on Wednesday.

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