The woman driving the van that killed a popular Surrey athlete has been fired from her job for using a company vehicle without permission.
At just after 10 p.m. Tuesday, the woman, who police believe had been drinking, was driving a van from Precision Restoration in Delta when she ran a red light at 152 and 64 Avenue.
She smashed into the BMW driven by 22-year-old Kassandra Kaulius, who was on her way back from a softball game at Cloverdale Athletic Park.
Kaulius died at the scene.
The 34-year-old Surrey woman driving the van fled into a nearby wooded area after the accident, where police found her "showing signs of intoxication from alcohol."
RCMP say the woman has no previous record and has not ever been charged for drinking and driving.
Police now confirm the woman was on her way back from a friend's where she was watching game 3 of the Canucks-Predators playoff series.
RCMP say they continue to be in a heightened state of awareness around anyone who may be drinking during the playoffs and making the unfortunate decision to drive.
The woman in Tuesday's accident was driving a company van. A spokesman for Precision Restoration told CBC News the woman was not supposed to have been using the vehicle and has been terminated.
"That vehicle had no right to be on the road that evening," said Randy Klann. "We have a very strict policy with regards to personal use of company vehicles, as well as consumption of alcohol."
Kaulius's sister Miranda said it was a senseless death of a magnificent person.
"She was amazing, wonderful, outgoing, energetic, sense of humour," Miranda said Tuesday. "Oh man, just take a dictionary and ask for the best words and that would be my sister."
Kaulius was attending the University of the Fraser Valley to become a Physicial Education teacher. The rest of her time was booked solid.
"She coached and played (baseball), she had two jobs, she was going to school," Miranda said. "Her passion was baseball and family, those were her biggest loves."
Grainger called it "another senseless example of a seeming impaired accident causing death."
A scholarship fund has been set up in Kaulius's name at Coast Capital Savings. Anyone interested in donating can ask for the Kassandra Kaulius Surrey Storm Scholarship at any branch.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Kassandra Thursday May 12 at 1 p.m. at the Christian Life Assembly in Langley, 21277 56 Avenue Langley, BC.
There is also a candlelight vigil Friday at 9 p.m. at Sullivan Park for Kassandra.
kdiakiw@surreyleader.com
~with files from CBC