A prominent vegan advocate has died after being hit by a slaughterhouse truck driver, according to multiple reports.

65-year-old Regan Russell, a long-time member of Toronto Pig Save, was identified as the victim.

It is believed the incident took place at around 10.20 am on June 19 – as the truck was making its way through the gates of Fearman’s Pork – a processing plant in Ontario, Canada.

‘Keep fighting the fight’

“She died fighting for what she believed in,” life partner Mark Powell told The Hamilton Spectator, “Whatever it cost, she would pay … Sometimes it’s money. Sometimes, it’s this.”

Powell added that he views the death as an accident, stating: “We can’t let the cause she was fighting for become lost in a fog of outrage. Keep fighting the fight, but don’t be angry. Get the word out.”

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This is an extremely dark moment for our community. Yesterday, Regan Russell was killed. ?? ?? She was at Fearman’s Pork slaughterhouse with @torontopigsave for a regular vigil. During these vigils the activists have an agreement with the slaughterhouse where the trucks stop outside for 2 minutes, so the activists can approach and give the pigs water and show them some comfort (animals in transportation are not given access to any water for up to 36 hours).?? ?? However, one of the truck drivers ran Regan over and killed her. ?? ?? Her last moments were spent showing compassion towards the non-human animals that society turns away from. ?? ?? Her last moments were spent caring for the most vulnerable.?? ?? Her last moments were spent standing up for what’s right. ?? ?? When you stand outside of these slaughterhouses you hear animals screaming for their life. You see horrific suffering and unimaginable pain inside those trucks. But Regan didn’t ever turn away, she was there every week for the pigs. ?? ?? She stood up against injustice and used her voice to raise awareness about the suffering of others since 1979. We must now use our voices to amplify this same message, to pay our respects to Regan, to honour her memory and to stand up for those who are suffering.?? ?? Regan was killed just a few days after the agricultural gag (“ag gag”) law, Bill 156, was passed in Ontario. Bill 156 exists to prevent activists from filming animal suffering on farms and during transport, making it illegal to do so.?? ?? Rest in peace Regan, I’m so, so sorry. #savepigsforregan

A post shared by Earthling Ed (@earthlinged) on Jun 20, 2020 at 3:05am PDT

Police investigation

A spokeswoman for Sofina Foods, who own Fearman’s Pork, said the company is fully cooperating with a police investigation into the death.

“Our Collision Reconstruction Unit remains on scene to conduct an investigation,” Halton police said in a statement, “We extend our sincere condolences to the friends and family of the deceased.”

No comments have been made about whether any charges have been made against the driver at the time of writing.