Charing Cross tragedy: Sisters hit, killed trying to rescue turtle, police say

Charing Cross tragedy Sisters hit killed trying to rescue turtle

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Teresa Suliga, of Blenheim, and her sister, Elizabeth Seremak, of Cambridge, were struck by a vehicle early Saturday evening, May 18, while walking north of Charing Cross, a small community about 10 minutes south of Chatham, police said.

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“Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but the women. . . 66 (and) 68. . . succumbed to their injuries,” police said earlier.

The women were known for their love of animals.

Suliga’s neighbor, Shelley Webster, said when she heard her close friend was trying to rescue a turtle when she died, “I thought, ‘That’s just like Teresa.’ ”

Webster added if Suliga saw any “animal in distress, she was there right away, quick.”

Suliga’s love for animals could also be seen in her dog, Kaya, she said.

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“You can tell Kaya’s been looking for her ever since, it’s hard to watch,” Webster said.

They would often go for walks and Suliga loved to see the deer, rabbits and even coyotes, she remembered.

“Teresa’s greatest love was her family and taking care of animals,” Suliga’s obituary said.

“Elizabeth’s extended family and friends will miss her sense of humor and love of animals and nature,” Seremak’s obituary said.

Webster said Seremak often traveled to Blenheim to visit her sister.

“They were like best friends. . . the two of them were like two peas on a pod,” Webster said. “They were very close.”

Suliga also loved to experience new things, travel and garden, her obituary said.

Chatham-Kent police seal off Charing Cross Road near Horton Line, where two pedestrians were killed in a crash Saturday evening. (Trevor Terfloth/The Daily News)

“Elizabeth was known for her generous heart and helping spirit,” Seremak’s obituary said. “She loved to spend time with her family and especially her treasured grandchildren.”

A funeral mass will be held for Suliga at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 145 Victoria Ave. in Chatham, at noon Saturday.

A private family celebration of life for Seremak will be held later, her obituary said.

The police traffic management section is investigating the crash. Anyone with information should contact Const. Joel Rehill at 519-355-1092 or [email protected].

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