Vigil held for woman who died in Saskatoon parking lot

Family and friends of Kionna Nicotine held a candlelight vigil Monday evening in the Saskatoon parking lot where she died in an alleged drunk-driving incident.

Police said the 23-year-old died after she was struck by a vehicle on Appleby Drive on Saturday around 4:30 a.m.

Kionna’s mother, Vanessa Nicotine, spoke about her daughter’s struggle with alcohol. Vanessa said what happened was a senseless accident.

“Kionna and (the driver) were best friends. It was all alcohol-related. None of this would’ve happened if alcohol wasn’t involved,” she said.

Nicotine, who stood next to the mother of the driver, says the two families are united in their grief.

“One of my biggest supports is (the driver’s) mom,” Nicotine said. “She has been at my house every day. She’s the one who came and told me the bad news that morning. She’s the one who let me know my daughter was gone. She comforted me.”

The 22-year-old driver is charged with impaired driving causing death and failing to stop after a collision.

Nicotine said she forgives the driver for what happened.

“She cried to me,” Nicotine said. “She apologized a million times over. She wished she could trade places. I don’t want anyone to harm or threaten Stacey. We love her.

“My daughter was ready to go home to the spirit world. She was ready.”

Nicotine ended the ceremony making a tearful plea for people to not drink and drive.

A GoFundMe campaign in Kionna Nicotine’s name says proceeds will be donated to the  LGBQT2S+ community.

— With files from 650 CKOM’s Mike McGuire.