Fort McPherson (Feb 23/04) - A Fort McPherson teacher killed in a car accident was fondly remembered by hundreds during a memorial service held in the community, Feb. 17.

Kira Epstein, 33, was killed when her vehicle collided with an RCMP vehicle on the Dempster Highway, Feb. 13.

The accident happened near Frog Creek at about 5:15 p.m. Epstein died at the scene.

The RCMP officer, who was off-duty at the time, sustained a broken arm; one of his passengers suffered a broken wrist and the other sustained minor lacerations, said Const. Dino Norris, of 'G' Division Criminal Operations Branch.

Epstein, who was originally from Winnipeg, was in her sixth year of teaching at Chief Julius school in Fort McPherson.

She also served on the NWT Teachers' Association as the vice-president of the Beaufort Delta region on and off for the past six years.

More than 500 Fort McPherson children, elders, community members, Beaufort Delta Education Council members and colleagues from around the Delta attended the memorial service, held in the Chief Julius school gym.

It was a "sombre" affair, said Roy Cole, school principal, who read the eulogy during the memorial.

"It was what you would expect. You could hear a pin drop because of the respect," Cole said.

"It was one of the nicest memorials I've ever been to," said Clint Surry, a teacher from Samuel Hearne secondary school who videotaped the event for Epstein's family down south.

"(People said) she was a truly valuable member of the community and had impacted the community in a lot of ways," Surry said. "She was a very wonderful person."

Investigation continues

It is difficult to know when the cause of the accident will be determined, Norris said.

The Dempster Highway between Fort McPherson and Tsiigehtchic remained closed over the weekend so RCMP accident specialists could conduct a full investigation.

"I think we'll find road conditions played a factor," said Norris.

No charges are pending.

Counsellors and elders are in the school every day to help students grieve, said Cole.

"Some students are still struggling and having a difficult time," said Cole.

Epstein's Grade 6 class is taking it hardest, he said.

Both vehicles were "severely" damaged in the accident and are likely beyond repair, said Norris.

Epstein's family held a memorial service in Winnipeg late last week.