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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Woman killed crossing street

'Best big sister in the world'

By: Gabrielle Giroday and Tammy W. Karatchuk

Posted: 04/15/2011 1:00 AM

Joanna Storm

The boyfriend of a 22-year-old woman killed while she was walking to a doctor's appointment said he's heartbroken by her death.

Joanna Storm died after the crash Wednesday at about 1:10 p.m., at a Henderson Highway crosswalk between Mossdale Avenue and Frasers Grove.

The driver of the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix has been charged with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous driving cause death, said police.

Storm's 34-year-old boyfriend, James Winning, said he was reeling after hearing the news Storm had been killed.

"We did everything together. Everything. We spent every day together," he said. "She was fantastic."

Winning said he'd started dating Storm, who worked at The Love Nest on Main Street, more than two years ago.

The two had recently celebrated a number of milestones together, like a car Storm told friends he'd bought for her.

She grew up in Alberta, he said, and moved to Winnipeg about three years ago.

Storm's mother, Janet Taylor, spoke briefly with the Free Press on Thursday.

"I can't even begin to express the impact this is going to have on me and her brothers," she said.

"Her brothers believe she was the best big sister in the world."

Winnipeg Police Service spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen said the Pontiac Grand Prix was travelling north on Henderson Highway when the crash happened.

He said police had information suggesting the crosswalk lights were activated while the young woman headed eastbound on foot. Several vehicles had stopped at the crosswalk, he said, when "it appears that the accused in this matter changed lanes to the median lane, and it was at that time he proceeded through the crosswalk and struck the victim."

Michalyshen said police collected "fairly compelling information" from witnesses and were able to lay charges against the driver. The 18-year-old man was released on a promise to appear, said police.

Police said Thursday they did not have any evidence the driver was racing at the time of the crash, or that he was texting or holding a cellphone. The speed limit where the crash happened is 60 kilometres per hour, said police.

Staff at The Love Nest were devastated after hearing about Storm's death.

"(She had a) big heart," said Diane Houston, the store's owner.

"(She'd) do anything for the company." Houston said Storm was "fantastic" with customers and had discussed plans for her upcoming birthday, which was to take place later this month.

"She was very happy about that," said Houston. "(She was) planning a big party."

Houston spoke about how Storm was a hard worker and had a great sense of humour.

"We're all very close. It's such a small store... (you) can't help but be hip-to-hip," she said.

gabrielle.giroday@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 15, 2011 A8