Amaria Diljohn, the teenager who was struck and killed by a TTC bus, is being remembered by family and friends as an outgoing, friendly girl who loved to belt out Beyonce tunes.
“She was a delight, the sweetest thing – very genuine, outgoing, very friendly. A sweetheart,” the girl’s aunt told CP24 at a vigil Sunday evening.
Dozens of people lit candles and laid flowers and teddy bears at the vigil held near the site of the collision.
Toronto police said Diljohn, 14, was struck while crossing Neilson Road at Finch Avenue around 5:40 p.m. Friday. The bus was turning right onto Finch Avenue and it is not known if the driver, who did not remain at the scene, saw her.
Speaking with CP24 at the vigil, some of Diljohn’s friends said they were shocked to learn of the news.
“I’m feeling very very sad,” one of Diljohn’s classmates said. “I didn’t expect this to happen. I first knew from Instagram when people posted pictures saying R.I.P. I couldn’t believe it. It was really shocking.”
Another friend said Diljohn was a bright girl who was always happy and always had a smile on her face.
“She would always say something nice to you, was always good to be around. I just loved her,” one friend said.
The bus driver spoke with police on Saturday, but it could take a while before it can be determined if charges will be laid, police said.
Investigators are looking to speak with six people who were on the bus when Diljohn was struck. The passengers are believed to be regular riders on the 133 Neilson bus route.
In a statement Saturday, the Toronto Transit Commission expressed its condolences to Diljohn’s family and said it is fully cooperating with police.
Grief counsellors are present at Diljohn’s school, Woburn Collegiate Institute, as well as her elementary alma mater, Highcastle Public School, to help students and staff affected by her death.
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