Morrigan Daniels-Dion is currently mourning the loss of her five-year-old daughter, Lilith Eskilson Daniels-Dion White, from a hospital bed far away from her home. Lilith is fondly remembered by her mother as a source of light and joy. The tragic incident occurred when a minivan carrying Daniels-Dion’s family collided with a suspected stolen pickup truck on a highway near Cold Lake on Jan. 13. A 34-year-old man from Bonnyville has been charged by the RCMP with various offences, including causing death by failing to stop at an accident scene, two counts of failing to stop at an accident causing injury, and theft of a motor vehicle.
Despite the devastating loss of Lilith, Morrigan Daniels-Dion, her partner Chase John, and their 10-month-old daughter Charlie survived the accident but have been left with deep emotional scars. Morrigan described the past week as filled with excruciating pain as she grapples with the tragic loss of her child while being physically injured. Suffering from multiple fractures and awaiting further surgeries, Morrigan and Chase have undergone operations for their injuries.
The community of Frog Lake, especially the Cree community, has been profoundly impacted by Lilith’s passing. In a show of support, more than 200 community members, friends, and family gathered for a vigil at Chief Napeweaw Comprehensive School to honor Lilith’s life. The school principal expressed the heavy impact of Lilith’s death on the students and staff, emphasizing the need for mutual support during this difficult time.
Recognizing the outpouring of support from the community, Morrigan and her family expressed gratitude for the help and assistance they have received during this trying period. The community has rallied around them, providing food, clothing, and various forms of aid without hesitation. Morrigan expressed her gratitude, acknowledging the importance of community support in times of crisis.
Plans are underway to honor Lilith’s memory, including dedicating a yurt at the First Nation’s new land-based language camp to her name. Despite the immense grief and physical pain, the support from the community has been a source of comfort and strength for Morrigan and her family during this challenging time.