'Light of my life': Friends, family remember Brittany Bergsma, 18-year-old killed by train

She was an 18-year-old who couldn't talk, but could juggle balls orcatch any object tossedher way.

She required almost constant supervision, but she loved to type the titles of Disney movies into YouTube,or use the animal filters on Snapchat.

And on Friday, BrittanyBergsmasomehow stepped onto the busy railway tracks that run through Ingersoll, Ont., where she was struck and killed by a westbound Via Rail train just after 7 p.m.

On Monday, friends and family members struggled to make sense of the sudden death of a special girl on the autism spectrum who could project her sharp sense of humour, without being able to tell a joke with words.

"She was awesome," said TashaCallow."You could throw a ball to her and she'd catch it every time.She and my eight-year-old son were great friends. She will really be missed."

For eight years, Callow worked as Bergsma'srespite worker. Callow liked her so muchshe continued to supervise Bergsma after the 18-year-old aged out of the system that paid for her care.

Friends say Bergsma was staying with a relative when she somehow got onto the busy CN tracks near MckeandStreet. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

No foul play, police say

The OPP do not suspect foul play andhave handed the investigation over to the CN Police Service. Family members who spoke to CBCNews said they believe Bergsma's death was an accident.

An online fundraising campaign is underway to help the family with funeral costs.

Bergsmawas a student atIngersoll District Collegiate Institute's special needs program. The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) has sent in special counselorsto help students struggling with the news ofBergsma'ssudden death.

A memorial of flowers has started to form where MckeandStreet curls into a cul-de-sacjust north of the tracks.

'She was just so sweet'

Two of Bergmsa'saunts arrived there Monday afternoon. After watering the flowers placed there, the pair sat on the grass as aCN freight roared past.

"She had this quietness about her because she was autistic but there was also all these fun little things she could do," anaunt named Christy toldCBCNews. "Like with Barbie legs, she could throw them into the air and catch them, no matter what."

It's not clear howBergsmamanaged to get onto the tracks. Police confirm she entered the right-of-way from the north side of the rail line. A chain-link fence nearly two metres tall separates the tracks fromMckeandStreet.

But about 40 metres east of that spotthe fence ends, leaving a large opening and direct access to the rail line.It's not clear if this is whereBergsmagot onto the tracks

Barb, another aunt who visited the memorial Monday, said her niece's death is a tragic accident and a reminder of the danger posed by the busy rail lines that cut through southwesternOntario.

"She was just so sweet, she brought so much joy for everyone," she said.