Support is pouring in from all corners of the province for the family of a mother and son who were killed in a fatal crash on the Trans-Canada Highway in Chilliwack on Tuesday.
According to a GoFundMe set up by Dirrae Young of Kelowna, her cousin Layna Brown, 40, and Brown's eight-year-old son Dominic Dyck were killed instantly in the wreck.
Dominic’s twin brother Tristan was airlifted to hospital in Vancouver where he is currently in critical condition in the ICU.
“Layna’s dad, a retired paramedic, along with her mom, sister and partner Cory are hoping and praying Tristan makes a full recovery, but it is going to take some time and help,” Young wrote in the GoFundMe.
“This tragedy was obviously unexpected, and I’m hoping anyone who sees this has it in their heart to donate to Layna’s family to help with funeral costs and aid in Tristan’s recovery.”
The fundraiser was posted with a goal of raising $25,000, but it has raised nearly $70,000 as of Thursday morning, less than 24 hours after it was created.
The family lives in Maple Ridge and a post from the Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey Association called Brown “an invaluable volunteer who dedicated countless hours to our hockey community.”
Brown reportedly worked at the Big Feast Bistro, which has shut its doors in the wake of Tuesday’s horrific accident.
“I don’t (know) what to say other than our hearts are heavy and we are closed until further notice to allow the team to grieve,” a brief social media post explained. “We will miss you Layna!”
Brown and Dominic were the only two fatalities in Tuesday’s six-vehicle crash that closed Hwy 1 for 12 hours, and police said Tristan was the only victim to suffer serious injuries.
According to the BC Highway Patrol, initial information suggests one or more vehicles stopped abruptly due to an obstruction in the roadway.
“At least one vehicle failed to stop in time and caused a chain reaction of collision,” noted a BCHP release issued Wednesday. “Impairment is not believed to be a factor.”
An investigation into the fatal crash is ongoing.
