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A senseless tragedy

There are some things journalists regret about their jobs - the times when, no matter how hard you think, the right words just won't come, the times when someone you know lands in hot water and you end up having to write about it.

There are some things journalists regret about their jobs - the times when, no matter how hard you think, the right words just won't come, the times when someone you know lands in hot water and you end up having to write about it. One of the hardest tasks journalists face is having to write about the death of someone they care about, someone they've had the privilege of getting to know, someone they've watched excel in so many ways. Whether the excellence is in sports, academics or just plain living, some folks are a pleasure to get to know. This week the Sunshine Coast lost two of those people - Trina Borley and Hannah Anderson.

On page C3 we have a wonderful story about Trina and the Gibsons Crushers who went undefeated last weekend to win the provincial softball title. We considered pulling the story, but after careful reflection, decided that it serves as a fitting tribute and memorial to Trina. She was doing what she loved and striving for excellence, one of the many things we appreciated about both young women.

We, like all the other people who knew and respected Trina and Hannah, can only sit on the sidelines and ask, "Why?"Why did two lovely young women lose their lives so soon? Why was it raining so hard on Wednesday morning? Why is the only highway on the Sunshine Coast so full of dangerous curves that challenge all drivers, not just young ones?Just a week prior, another accident caused great harm to two young men. That accident, as outlined on page A7, has changed the immediate future of two brilliant young cyclists. And although the investigation is not complete, again it would seem that our busy, busy highway with its narrow shoulders and limited visibility is a big part of the equation.

Some questions can never be answered to anyone's satisfaction. However, we can and should be pushing for improvements to our highway. Wherever possible, let's straighten out those treacherous curves and add proper bike lanes. Sign the petition available at both bike shops calling for a ferry-to-ferry cycling network. Lobby our MLA. You have a voice. Use it to let the Ministry of Transportation know the citizens of the Sunshine Coast don't want to lose any more of our precious young people.

To the families and friends of Trina and Hannah and the other driver involved in this tragedy, we offer our heartfelt sympathy. May it help you to know our community feels your loss deeply.