Sask. woman killed in alleged drunk driving crash near Southey

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family of a Sask. woman who lost her life after a crash involving an alleged drunk driver Saturday.

Family confirmed Monday 40-year-old Daphne Schmidt, from Cupar, was the victim in the crash. Three other people in the car with her were injured.

Wade Michael Ganje, 34, from Weyburn, is charged with more than a dozen drunk-driving related charges in connection with the same crash.

He made his first court appearance Monday morning and will return via video on Wednesday afternoon. He remains in custody.

Several tearful friends and family members were present in court, but declined to offer any further comment.

The RCMP allege a northbound truck and a southbound car collided on Highway 6 near Southey.

Tasha Briere started the GoFundMe page.

“Last night the most wonderful Mother, Wife, Auntie, Daughter and Friend was taken from us by a drunk driver.  Words cannot even begin to express the loss felt by all those that knew her. Her beautiful smile, contagious laugh and amazing outlook on life was contagious, she had a way of making everyone she met feel special. If you knew Daphne, you loved her!  We did not loose her, she was taken. She was taken by someone’s poor decision to drink and drive. 

Everyone keeps asking me what they can do to help so I decided to start a go fund me account.  My hope is to either help cover some of the financial burden or maybe it can go towards a memorial for Daphne someday, whatever the family needs.”

The campaign has set a goal of $20,000.