Family identifies woman who died after car plunged into Lake Ontario

A woman who died in the vehicle she was riding in fell into the icy waters of Lake Ontario at Ashbridges Bay was identified by her family as a beautiful soul who came to Canada from Albania in 2021.

Emergency services were called to the East End park near Lake Shore Boulevard and Woodbine Avenue around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 after reports of a vehicle in the water.

Paramedics later confirmed that six people had been taken to hospital and that one of them, a woman, was in a critical condition. The remaining five people – four policemen and the driver – suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The woman, identified as 25-year-old Agnesa Shukulli, died at the hospital. A 23-year-old Oakville man, who police say was the driver at the time of the crash, now he has been charged.

“Agnesa was a kind and beautiful soul who touched the hearts of everyone she met,” wrote Kristian Pasku on GoFundMe. “She was a loving daughter, a caring sister and a friend who made everyone feel special. Her smile could light up a room, and her warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who was lucky enough to know her.”

Family members say Shukulli immigrated to Canada from Albania in 2021 to join her sister. They are currently transporting her body to her homeland so that she can be buried.

“She came here with big dreams – dreams of creating a better life, helping her parents in Albania and building a future full of love and hope,” Pasku said. “We are reaching out to everyone who knew Agnesa, and even to those who did not know this person but wanted to help a family in need during this extremely difficult time.”

The woman worked at a bakery in East York

A representative from Serano Bakery, located in the area of ​​Pape Avenue and Danforth Avenue in East York, confirmed that the 25-year-old woman was employed there.

“Agnesa was not only a devoted colleague, but also a valued friend who brought warmth, kindness and joy to everyone she met,” the statement read.

“During this extremely difficult time, we want to support Agnesa’s family in dealing with this unimaginable tragedy.”

The bakery also started a GoFundMe to help Shukulla’s family with costs.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with (her) loved ones.”

As of Thursday, more than $65,000 had been raised, with a previously set goal of $50,000.