Icy, slippery roads were a contributing factor in a fatal crash on the Alaska Highway last week that claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman.

Police say the head-on crash took place on the North Taylor Hill around 7:58 a.m. on Oct. 20 when a northbound Honda Civic crossed into the southbound lane and crashed with a dump truck.

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The woman, the only occupant of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene, police say. The dump truck driver was not injured.

The roads were icy and slippery at the time of the crash, officials say, and the investigation continues. It's not yet known whether any charges will be laid.

Family and friends have identified the victim as Esther Bullert, a Taylor resident.

An online fundraising campaign has been launched to help her family cover funeral expenses. As of Monday afternoon, $10,020 of its $10,000 goal had been raised.

Alina Kuebler, a family friend who started the campaign, declined an interview request. However, Kuebler described Bullert in her campaign as "a very happy, friendly and helpful young lady who had to leave us too early."

Bullert graduated from North Peace Secondary in 2015, and had most recently worked at the Baby Bear daycare in Fort St. John, as well as the hospital.

Jerad Neufeld recalled teaching Bullert at Upper Pine School, and called her the "nicest person you could hope to meet."

"I remember once (in a staff vs. student volleyball game) I spiked the ball and accidentally hit her in the face with it, bloody nose etc; she was hurt for a few minutes and I felt AWFUL but then she was more concerned that I felt bad than she was about her own injury," Neufeld shared in a message to the fundraising campaign.

"It reflects on her personality that really was so caring and sweet."

A second fundraising campaign has also been launched by relatives.

"Esther was a beautiful young girl full of life and laughter," wrote Helene Dzyubanyuk. "Always loved to help out others and take adventures."

Staff at the daycare deferred comment, while calls to Bullert's family were not immediately returned.

editor@ahnfsj.ca