(Gofundme/Supplied)

By Ian Gustafson

gofundme contributions

Community rallies behind family of Red Deer woman killed in collision

Aug 19, 2025 | 1:06 PM

Nearly $30,000 has been raised for the family of Shelley Thornton, a Red Deer woman who tragically lost her life in a collision last week.

A gofundme, which was organized by John Ferguson four days ago, was created in support of Thornton’s husband Bryan and two children, Isabelle and Henry with a goal of $30,000.

More specifically, to help ease the burden they now face by assisting in covering expenses and allowing them space to grieve without added worry.

As of Tuesday afternoon, they had raised over $29,600 for the family.

“Shelley was a source of kindness, laughter, and unwavering support to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her dedication to her work was matched only by her love for her family,” as written on the gofundme page.

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“Any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference for Shelley’s loved ones. If you are unable to give, please consider sharing this page and keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Thornton, 46, was killed in a collision that took place near 40 Avenue and 22 Street in Red Deer at approximately 4:21 p.m. on Aug. 12.

Police allege that while an SUV was making a turn, an individual driving a stolen truck and travelling at a high rate of speed collided with the SUV.

According to RCMP, the accused then attempted to steal vehicles of those who stopped to help the victim, and did in fact end up stealing an SUV. The suspect later crashed the vehicle on 39 Street and fled on foot but was quickly located by police and arrested.

Red Deer County resident Ryan Allan Bell, 33, was charged with impaired driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, criminal negligence causing death, failure to stop after an accident causing death, two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property over $5,000, and break and enter.

The accused was remanded into custody after a judicial release hearing and will appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer on Aug. 20.

According to the Local CUPE 417 website, Thornton served as the treasurer with CUPE 417 and was an employee with the City of Red Deer for over 10 years where she worked as an administration clerk for municipal policing services.

The City of Red Deer released a brief statement last Thursday.

“The City of Red Deer wants to acknowledge this tragic incident and offer sincere condolences to the family and friends of the individual who lost her life this week. Our thoughts are with you,” they wrote.

Meantime, CUPE 417 president Deborah Schaan said in an emailed statement she was devastated by the loss.

“Shelley was a part of our union family for over 10 years and served as our secretary treasurer since May of last year. Her role was a volunteer position, illustrating her commitment to our union and to the wider labour movement in Alberta,” Schaan wrote.

“Her analytical approach and incredible eye for detail were invaluable. She truly helped our union do more for our members. Outside of her work, she was a fantastic person and a good friend. We’ll never forget her light and warmth, or her love of all things Disney. We extend our sympathies and condolences to Shelley’s family in this hard time. We’ll do anything we can to support you. Rest in peace, Shelley. We’ll never forget you.”

In addition, the Red Deer RCMP wrote in a Facebook post they were devastated by the tragic passing of Thornton.

“She was a valued member of the Red Deer detachment whose dedication, professionalism, and kindness left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her,” they wrote. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with her family, friends, and all those who knew her in this incredibly difficult time.

“She will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.”