A young Vancouver couple killed in a hit-and-run crash this weekend had become engaged only hours before.

Dr. Aneez Mohamed, 31, and 25-year-old University of B.C. social-work student Chanelle Morgan were struck by a speeding SUV while crossing at a marked crosswalk near the entrance to Granville Island on 4th Ave. late Saturday night. They both died at the scene.

Speaking from his home in London, Ont., Chanelle's father Christopher Morgan says the couple was very much in love.

"Every time I saw them together they glowed," he said. "They were so in love, they were one and they had just done some celebrating that evening and shared their love together."

Mohamed, a young cardiologist at St. Paul's hospital, had bought Chanelle an engagement ring two months ago - but he didn't give it to her. Instead, he waited until Saturday night, when he pulled out the ring at Granville Island and asked her to marry him.

They were killed just after an hour later.

The SUV driver, 18-year-old Kurtis Rock, appeared in Vancouver Provincial Court Tuesday. He is charged with two counts of dangerous driving causing death, two counts of impaired driving causing death, two counts of failing to stop at an accident causing bodily harm, theft over $5,000 and possession of stolen property.

Matthew Nathanson, Rock's lawyer, said he hoped the public would not rush to judge his client.

"I'm concerned people not rush to judgment. I hope that doesn't happen. This is a tragedy. Whether the correct conclusion is my client is responsible for this and to what extent will be determined in court and not the media," he said.

Rock will remain in police custody until his bail hearing Feb. 16.

A memorial is growing at the site of this weekend's crash to remember the couple.

Dianne Berger worked with Chanelle at the Berwick Child Development Centre. She said the young woman had an incredible way with children.

"There were so many tears when we found out, so many," she said.

Mohamed, who was already teaching third-year medical students at the University of British Columbia, is remembered fondly by colleagues.

"He was a rising star and I think the whole of B.C. and Canada should be very sad and mad about this issue," said Dr. Karim Quyumi of the UBC Centre of Excellence for Surgical Education and Innovation.

"Everybody loved him, his personality was outstanding and his level of knowledge, passion toward teaching others."

Chanelle's body will be brought back to Ontario, where the family is planning a memorial service to take place on Feb. 21.

Christopher Morgan says despite the pain his own family is going through, he feels for the suspect's family, noting they must be "suffering as well."