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GOfundMe For Ingersoll Teen Victim

Tasha Callow (left) was the respite worker for Brittany Bergsma (right).

An 18 year old girl lost her life after being struck by a passing train in Ingersoll Friday.

INGERSOLL - A tragedy in Ingersoll has left a family grieving the loss of an 18 year old girl. 

Brittany Bergsma lost her life after being struck by a passing CN train Friday night. 

The teen girl's respite worker of 8 years, Tasha Callow believes her condition is what lead to her death. 

"Brittany had low functioning autism. She didn't understand danger, if she saw a cat and wanted to pet it, she would totally run after it to pet it, she didn't understand that if you run up to a strange dog, it might bite you.  This could have happened while she was in anyone's care.  It was totally an accident."

Callow said she got a call shortly after the incident happened behind a family member's residence near McKeand Street,  in Ingersoll that runs alongside train tracks.  

OPP Acting Sargent Kevin Martin has confirmed the death to be accidental.

"Foul play is not suspected.  It didn't happen as a result of a criminal act."

Callow had more than one title in Brittany's life. Aside from Brittany's worker, she was considered her best friend and spent many hours over the years helping to enhance her life while living with autism.  

"She was amazing, she would light up a room, she had a smile that could melt anybody's heart.  Her family and my family will miss her very much."

Once Brittany turned 18 years old, her government funding ended for support services, but the families remained close.  
On behalf of Brittany's family, Callow has set up a GOFundMe page to help offset the funeral costs.  
 

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