Teen crash victim had a 'gentle and kind nature'

The victim in a fatal Oct. 28 car crash on Highway 17 near the city's South End was a 17-year-old Grade 12 Marymount Academy student.

According to her obituary, Kodee Daoust enjoyed cooking, baking and playing volleyball, loved animals, was a gifted artist and had a true passion for the guitar.

“She will be lovingly remembered for her gentle and kind nature, big heart, free spirit and wonderful smile,” the obituary said.

The collision that killed Daoust took place at around 2:46 p.m. Oct. 28.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that a Chevrolet was crossing Highway 17 at Southview Drive. A GMC pickup was westbound on Highway 17 and collided with the Chevrolet.

The driver of the Chevrolet sustained serious injuries and was transported by Emergency Medical Services to a local hospital. The passenger of the Chevrolet — Daoust — was killed.

Other local media have identified the injured driver of the Chevrolet as Daoust's boyfriend, 18-year-old Steven Horan.

The driver of the GMC was not seriously injured.

Daoust's friends turned to social media to voice their grief.

“I didn't realize how fast things could change,” said one young woman. “Be thankful for your friends and family. I love you so much Kodee and can't believe that this has happened. You will always be my best friend, not a day will go by that you don't cross my mind. RIP to the girl who has been with me since day one.”

The Facebook page for the River & Sky Music and Camping Festival said Daoust's family were regular attendees at the July festival.

“If you have attended R&S any of the past several years - you have camped and celebrated life alongside this family,” a statement on the festival's website said.

“Please take a moment in thought, prayer or song in memory of Kodee. May her spirit live strong.”

Daoust's obituary asks for memorial donations to the River and Sky Arts in the Woods project.

The teen is survived by her parents, Jerry and Annami Daoust, sister Jenny, grandparents Erik and Annukka Lovin and Gaetan and Lynda Daoust, and great-grandparents Lawrence and Aurele Daoust.

A memorial visitation takes place at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home on Nov. 2 from 4-8 p.m., with words of remembrance at 7 p.m. Cremation takes place at the Park Lawn Crematorium.