Pink balloons released to mourn girl killed when van smashed through classroom

ST. PAUL, Alta. – Mourners released pink balloons into an overcast northern Alberta sky on Saturday in remembrance of a young girl who died when a minivan crashed into her classroom.

Eleven-year-old Megan Wolitski’s funeral was held at the Roman Catholic Cathedral in St. Paul, east of Edmonton.

Many of the mourners were children, who joined some adults and brought the balloons outside when the service was over and released them as the coffin was carried to a waiting hearse.

The coffin itself was covered with pink flowers, which was Megan’s favourite colour.

She was one of three Grade 6 girls seriously injured last month when an out-of-control minivan crashed into Racette Junior High School in St. Paul.

Richard Edward Benson, who is 46, faces charges of criminal negligence causing death, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, resisting arrest and possession of marijuana.

He was denied bail on Thursday, but his lawyer says he plans to appeal.