BILLIE-JO Strickland-Masson was a diminutive young woman with a big heart and the widest, brightest grin in the room, her grieving family said after she was struck by a car and died Friday night. The 20-year-old was crossing Fermor Avenue at the intersection of Autumnwood Drive while riding her bicycle. While police continue to investigate the tragic collision, it appears Strickland-Masson cycled through a red light. Her aunt, Patrol Sgt. Shelly Glover of the Winnipeg Police Service, said family members are in a state of shock.

"She was a beautiful child... just a wonderful person," Glover said. "There are so many things we are going to miss about her. She was such an important part of our family."

Though she was 20, Strickland-Masson could have easily passed for 14 because of her slight stature and a learning disability.

But her perseverance helped her get past some special needs challenges, as she graduated from Windsor Park Collegiate, held part-time jobs and recently moved out of Glover's home into her own suite in West Kildonan.

Strickland-Masson leaves to mourn her mother Shannon, stepfather Mark, two sisters and a brother and a large extended family.

"She was a typical naive girl who would give you the shirt off her back," Glover said. "She had a big heart. She always wanted to share things. She was driven by her faith."

Strickland-Masson was a dedicated member of House of the Rising Sun Ministries on Machray Avenue, often greeting people as they arrived Sunday mornings.

And she cycled everywhere.

"That was her thing. She cycled all over the city," Glover said. "That's what we don't understand... why she crossed when she did."

The collision occurred around 10 p.m. Friday.

Witnesses said the car was heading west on Fermor and proceeding through the intersection on a green light when the collision happened.

The victim was not wearing a helmet, witnesses said.

Her mangled bike lay near the boulevard, not far from a silver Oldsmobile Alero with a portion of its front windshield smashed.

An off-duty paramedic near the scene of the crash raced from his vehicle to help the victim, as did two other people who later told witnesses they were lifeguards.

Strickland-Masson died after being transferred to St. Boniface General Hospital.

Police spokeswoman Const. Jacqueline Chaput said charges will likely not be laid against the driver, who remains distraught over what happened.

"We don't hold blame," Glover added. "My heart goes out to them... it was an accident."

Winnipeg police are reminding cyclists to take proper precautions crossing at intersections.

Strickland-Masson had just started a new job at the McDonald's restaurant on Fermor two weeks ago.

She didn't work Friday night, but had visited the restaurant and was heading home when the collision occurred.

A company employee said the chain is fundraising to pay for flowers for her funeral and will hold a memorial in her honour.

Strickland-Masson previously worked at the Tim Hortons on Beaverhill Boulevard.