Cookbook author fatally struck by car in S.W. Calgary

ACalgary cookbook author was struck and killedwhile crossing thestreetlate Sunday night in southwest Calgary.

Wendy Turnbull, 65,wascrossing 90th Avenue S.W. at about 10 p.m. MTwhen she was struck bya Hyundai Accent driven by a29-year-old woman.

Turnbull used a crosswalkthat has signage and lights, police said in a news release.

"Preliminary information indicates the lights were activated," police said. "While in the crosswalk, the pedestrian was struck by the Hyundai. She suffered fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene."

The driver was detained at the scene but released without charges. Police are investigating whether alcohol or speed were factors in the collision, police said.

Turnbull, a former nurse,was a cookbook author and grandmother. Her first book, Gems of Gluten-Free Baking, was a Canadian bestseller.

"Wendy was a conscientious author who was always very pleasant to work with. She was passionate about elevating the quality of gluten-free baking through her formula of wheat-less flours that she created," said Whitecap Books associate publisher Jesse Marchand.

"More than anything well remember how proud she was to get the word out about her findings to as many celiacs and gluten-intolerant people as possible. She will truly be missed."