Crash victim’s family mourns ‘senseless death’

Rosa Maria Narvaez was driving home after getting groceries when she was reportedly struck by another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. She was minutes away from her Brampton home.

According to Peel Regional Police, the 64-year-old woman died following a three-vehicle collision near Chinguacousy Park, in Brampton, on Oct. 22. The crash happened at Queen Street and Central Park Drive at about 9:30 a.m.

Peel police said that Narvaez was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition and she later died, while another woman — who was driving the third vehicle involved in the crash — was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

On Nov. 16, a 19-year-old Brampton man was charged with dangerous driving causing death. Police say he was driving westbound on Queen Street East when he lost control of his vehicle and crossed over to the eastbound lanes, striking two vehicles, including the one Narvaez was driving.

Lidija, Narvaez’s daughter-in-law, told the Star that the collision happened just 10 minutes away from Narvaez’s home. She is survived by her mother, her husband of more than 40 years, two sons, a daughter and a sister. Lidija describes her mother-in-law as a caregiver to her mother and grandchildren. “She lived for her family.”

Lidija says her absence has been difficult for the family who are calling her death a “senseless tragedy.”

Police have told the family they are unable to share details of the ongoing investigation, but Lidija strongly believes Narvaez’s death “was completely avoidable.”