The 23-year-old woman killed in a party bus accident in downtown Vancouver over the weekend was kind, responsible and dearly loved, her family told CTV News.
The young woman, who worked as an assistant teacher, was identified by the B.C. Coroners Service Tuesday as Chelsea Lynn Mist James of Langley.
Her parents painted a picture of their beloved daughter as an educator who was passionate about her job and made her family incredibly proud.
“Chelsea had a beautiful spirit,” her mom Shelly James said.
“She shone like a diamond with her smile. Everyone who knew her loved her. She will be sadly missed and will leave a hole in our lives forever.”
The family also said Chelsea had a good head on her shoulders.
She was out for a birthday party on Saturday, the night she fell out of an open door on a party bus and died. Her family said the group used a party bus to make sure anyone who was drinking that night wouldn’t be driving home.
“We can’t fathom how she did everything right to be safe and responsible, and yet still lost her life,” the young woman’s mother said.
The party bus was turning from West Hastings to Burrard Street when Chelsea fell out and was struck by the same vehicle. It’s unclear why the door was open, and the tragic accident is still under investigation by coroners and Vancouver police.
The incident has also sparked calls for a public coroners’ inquest into what happened.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Jon Woodward
