Tragic accident that took life of 17-year-old Mundare girl in 2025 has led to an outcry for change
By Grant Johnson, Staff Reporter
One year after a devastating crash claimed the life of 17 year old Annya Palsitt of Mundare, her family and the community are still pushing for change.
The accident happened at the intersection of Highway 855 and Highway 16 where LCES (Lamont County Emergency Services) responded at 3:42 p.m. and left the scene at 10:15 p.m., reported the Lamont Leader (July 30, 2025 issue).
The Annya Palsitt fatality was the second in a week, at the time, and the third accident in 12 days. Annya had only just graduated from high school a few months earlier.
This week, Project Annya, a grassroots advocacy group formed in the wake of the tragedy, unveiled a new roadside sign near the intersection. The goal is simple but urgent: raise awareness and keep pressure on the Province to build an overpass at what many residents say is a dangerous crossing.
Annya’s father, Bernie Palsitt, says he has been in contact with Alberta’s Transportation Minister and was told the project was close to moving forward. A year later, however, there is still no visible progress.
A spokesperson for the minister confirmed the project remains in the design phase but could not provide a timeline for construction.
While the fight for safer infrastructure continues, Annya’s legacy is also being honoured closer to home.
Family and Community Support Services in Lamont County has created “Annya’s Art Corner,” a dedicated space encouraging children to express themselves through art. Pieces created in the space will be displayed across the county this fall, keeping Annya’s spirit alive in the community she once served as a program leader.
Supporters of Project Annya continue to call for action and are encouraging residents to get involved by learning more and signing letters to the provincial government at projectannya.ca
Lamont County FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) cancelled summer programs for the rest of the week after the fatality. Annya had been working at FCSS.
In addition FCSS posted a tribute on social media to the beloved young girl.
“Annya was truly one of a kind. She brought an energy and leadership that made a lasting impact. Always punctual, focused, and dependable, Annya took initiative in every situation and built meaningful connections with the youth and her fellow team members,” posted FCSS.
“She was a natural leader, someone the younger participants looked up to and admired. There was little Annya couldn’t do. Her many talents, drive, and compassion made her a shining light within our programs. She meant so much to our team, and her absence will be deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Then Lamont County Councillor Daniel Warawa had been frustrated by the slow movement of the Province at the time and told the Leader about his plight.
“I discussed this with (the minister of transportation) before, said Warawa in the Leader. “Apparently, there is a study (being done) but it’s going to take them many years before they do anything,” said Warawa.
“I asked him how many people have to die before you do anything?”
Warawa said he believes an increase to semi-truck traffic on the highway is to blame along with a hill on the east side, making it difficult to see westbound vehicles.
Despite citizens gathering a petition with over 4,000 names last year, little progress has been made to date.
READ THIS AND SO MUCH MORE IN THE JULY 29 EDITION OF THE LAMONT LEADER! ON NEWSSTANDS NOW AND AVAILABLE FOR FREE ONLINE. CLICK HERE!
