‘We’re just lost’: Distraught family sues City of Vaughan and driver in death of 10-year-old cyclist

The family of a 10-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding her bike in Thornhill believes the collision was completely preventable.

The parents of Nikita Belykh are seeking $7.5 million in damages from the City of Vaughan and Thanh Loan Nguyen, alleging the 33-year-old Mississauga driver was not only distracted behind the wheel, but travelling too fast.

The city is also being sued for negligence after failing to respond to public concerns about road safety in the area.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

The family says they hope the lawsuit can help bring them closure.

“I just don’t understand how it can happen at a community centre,” says Nikita’s mother, Natalia Belykh. “I don’t have answers. I just want to have answers, that’s why we are doing right now what we are doing.”

Police investigate after 10-year-old Nikita Belykh was struck and killed while riding her bike. CITYNEWS

On the morning of September 1, Nikita Belykh was riding her bike home from swimming when she was struck on the sidewalk near the North Thornhill Community Centre by a white SUV driven by Nguyen. Nikita died the next day in hospital.

Nguyen has since been charged with careless driving causing death.

“We have no idea how to live, what to do,” Natalia Belykh said through tears at a press conference Thursday. “It’s unbelievable, we’re just lost.”

“I lost my sister, my parents lost a daughter,” says Maria Belykh. “I see three of the strongest people in my life that are falling apart before my eyes. No charge is going to be enough.”