A routine roadside stop turned into a devastating tragedy on Anthony Henday Drive in Edmonton, leaving one man dead and his 21-year-old daughter facing life-altering injuries after they were struck by a vehicle while changing a tire.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the fatal collision occurred on Feb. 8 along the busy ring road that encircles Edmonton. Authorities say the father had pulled over to assist his daughter with a flat tire when their vehicle was hit while parked on the shoulder. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, where the father was pronounced dead.

His daughter, identified by police as 21 years old, was transported to hospital in life-threatening condition. In the days following the crash, medical teams worked to stabilize her injuries. Authorities later confirmed that she underwent amputations of both legs as a result of the trauma sustained in the collision.

The incident has shaken the local community and reignited conversations about roadside safety on high-speed highways. Anthony Henday Drive is a major traffic artery in Edmonton, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. Although drivers are legally required to slow down and move over when approaching stopped vehicles or emergency scenes, collisions on highway shoulders remain a recurring safety concern.

Police report that the 21-year-old driver of the vehicle that struck the father and daughter was also taken to hospital with minor injuries. Investigators have not publicly disclosed whether speed, visibility conditions, distraction, or impairment were contributing factors. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities gather witness statements, examine vehicle damage, and reconstruct the sequence of events.

Roadside tire changes, while common, can be particularly dangerous on busy highways. Transportation safety experts emphasize the importance of hazard lights, reflective triangles, and, when possible, calling roadside assistance rather than attempting repairs in high-traffic zones. Even with precautions, however, the proximity of vehicles traveling at highway speeds presents inherent risks.

For the surviving daughter, the path forward will involve extensive medical care and rehabilitation. Double amputations require long-term physical therapy, potential prosthetic fitting, and psychological support. Trauma specialists note that recovery extends beyond physical healing, as patients often face emotional and mental health challenges following sudden catastrophic injury.

Community members have expressed condolences to the family, with many highlighting the heartbreaking circumstances — a father stepping in to help his daughter during a mechanical issue. Acts of assistance that are routine in everyday life can become perilous when performed alongside high-speed traffic.

The RCMP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Officials have urged drivers to remain vigilant, especially when approaching stopped vehicles on the shoulder of highways. Under Alberta traffic laws, motorists are required to move into an adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, or reduce speed significantly when passing emergency or disabled vehicles.

Fatal collisions on highway shoulders often prompt renewed calls for awareness campaigns and infrastructure improvements, such as enhanced signage or barrier protections. While investigators have not yet released preliminary findings in this case, the incident underscores the vulnerability of individuals outside their vehicles on high-speed roadways.

As the investigation progresses, the family faces both grief and adaptation. The loss of a father combined with the daughter’s life-altering injuries represents a dual tragedy that will reverberate for years.

Authorities have stated that further updates will be provided as evidence is reviewed and investigative steps are completed. Until then, the Feb. 8 collision stands as a stark reminder of the dangers present even during brief roadside stops.