23-year-old paramedic who died in N.B. collision remembered as ‘kind, compassionate’

The father of the 23-year-old paramedic who died in a collision between an ambulance and transport truck on Tuesday is remembering the difference his daughter made in the world.

Jenna Croucher was a protector and a helper — someone who made everyone feel comfortable, said her father Robin Croucher, a P.E.I. Progressive Conservative MLA who also worked as a paramedic. 

“Since she was three years old, she was the helper in the family,” he said.

Croucher was brave and meant to do paramedic work, her father said, describing her as the “most loyal, kind, compassionate person you could find.” 

“She made the world a better place.” 

Croucher’s father isn’t alone in remembering the contributions his daughter made. 

Priscilla Currie, who worked with Croucher as a paramedic, posted a tribute to her colleague and friend on social media.

“I never had to ask Jenna to be a great friend — she just was,” Currie’s Facebook post reads. 

“I am heartbroken that you were robbed of your beautiful life and all the dreams that were going to be ahead of you. Thank you for all your laughter, all your kindness, your friendship, your partnership and the love you gave to me so freely.”

P.E.I.’s first responder community is mourning the loss of Croucher, along with her colleague Mike MacKenzie, who also died in the collision on Tuesday. 

It happened just after 9 a.m. in the community of Melrose, N.B., around 12 km southwest of the Confederation Bridge near Port Elgin.

CBC News has not been able to confirm the name of a 77-year-old woman from Montague, a patient in the ambulance who also died in the collision.  

The driver of the transport truck was brought to the hospital with what police believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. 

The RCMP said it has no further information to provide right now, as the collision remains under investigation.