My name is Stephanie Fox (Melo), the aunt  of the late Cassidy Melo, an 18-year-old whose life was tragically cut short. Cassidy, along with her friend, lost their lives due to the insufficient safety measures on Highway 37. On November 6, 2024, approx. 9:30pm, Cassidy’s car hydroplaned landing upside down where her car was completely submerged into the water along Highway 37 at the Mount Layton Hot Springs stretch. Cassidy was unable to escape because of the high water level that are in those trenches and Beaverdams.

This horrifying incident has shaken our family and the community of Kitimat and Terrace, but it has also raised an urgent need for action. Highway 37, notorious for its array of safety hazards, demands immediate attention. Last year alone, it reportedly witnessed dozens of accidents, some of which were fatal. In response to the frequent tragedies, we seek the installation of adequate barriers, guardrails, and additional preventative measures along the highway. I will provide an accurate update on Highway 37 statistics once I receive a response from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, along with certain investigation results, pending the consent of the parents.

We believe that substantial safety enhancements could eventually deter accidents and save lives. We grieve our loss but hope that our plea may forbid another family from succumbing to such an unthinkable tragedy. No child, no individual, should ever feel trapped or helpless on a roadway intended to ensure safe transit for its travelers. 

I implore you to take immediate action. Please, let Cassidy’s untimely passings serve as a solemn reminder of the pressing changes we must sow today. Let us change Highway 37 from a hazardous path into a safe passage for all commuters. Sign this petition, contribute to the safety of our community, and help us prevent further tragedies like this. 

Sincerely,

Stephanie Fox (Melo)