A woman who was killed in a Pemberton road accident last week is being remembered as a devoted friend, sister and daughter with a kind heart and radiant smile.
Loved ones on social media have identified Celestia Vergara as the pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Highway 99 and Pemberton Portage Road the evening of Friday, Nov. 29. She was reportedly treated on the scene by first responders but did not survive, police said.
“On November 29, 2024, our hearts shattered as we lost a sweet and pure-hearted soul,” read a GoFundMe campaign set up in the wake of Vergara’s death by organizer Margaux Anadia. “Known for her radiant smile and compassionate spirit, she touched the lives of everyone around her. Her beauty shone not only outwardly but, more importantly, through the kindness and love she shared with those she cared about.
Official details from the accident remain scarce. In a statement, Sea to Sky RCMP said police responded to a report of a collision involving a pedestrian at approximately 7:30 p.m. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and was cooperating with the investigation. It is unknown if Mounties have recommended charges against the driver.
“Because the investigation is ongoing, there isn’t much we can say at this time,” wrote the Sea to Sky RCMP’s media relations officer, Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, in an email.
The police statement referred further questions to the BC Coroners Service. A spokesperson for the coroner said in an email it couldn't comment with the investigation ongoing, other than to say "the coroner will examine all information available to them, which would include the road and weather conditions at the time of the crash."
A native of the Philippines, Vergara’s dream was to work in Canada, “a goal she achieved through hard work and determination, building her career step by step in the Philippines before earning a working visa,” Anadia wrote. “Tragically, her time in her dream country was cut short after only a year, leaving all of us grieving the loss of such bright and promising life.”
In a message on the GoFundMe page, Vergara’s sister, Grace, described the immense loss she and her family have suffered.
“Our life will never be the same again. She's my one and only sister. A loving, kindhearted and selfless daughter, sister and a friend. Everyone loves her. Everyone is longing for her presence. It's just so painful this happened. I can't imagine losing someone so lovely in a tragic way,” she wrote. “My heart is in excruciating pain, especially our dear mom. My mom told me she protected us from childhood not to get bruises or even mosquito bites, and now this happened. This is really heartbreaking and the worst feeling I ever experienced in my entire life.”
At press time, the GoFundMe had raised more than $8,700 of its $20,000 goal. Anadia, who did not return a request for comment, wrote that she increased the initial fundraising target from $4,000 to $20,000 after “overwhelming support.”
The funds will be used to support Vergara’s family and “help ease the burden of this unexpected love and pay tribute to the beautiful legacy she leaves behind,” Anadia wrote. “A legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering strength.”
The campaign can be found at here.
