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‘A SAD DAY’
10-year-old killed in boat crash near Cates Park ALANNA KELLY
akelly@glaciermedia.ca
A 10-year-old boy who was killed in a boating incident on Saturday in North Vancouver has been identified in an online fundraiser as Lionel, a Vancouver resident.
“Lionel’s life was cut short in a tragic boating accident on the North Shore, on what should have been a fun Saturday afternoon out with his friends,” stated the GoFundMe page set up to support his family. Photographs shared on the GoFundMe page show Lionel with his mother, Shelley Klassen. First responders rushed to Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. BC Emergency Health Services responded with eight units, including three primary care paramedics, two advanced care paramedics, a supervisor, the infant care team and a helicopter. The serious collision involved a speed boat and two children on an inflatable tube being towed by another boat. The speed boat was travelling off the waters of Cates Park and allegedly struck the two children on the inflatable tube. North Vancouver RCMP confirmed on June 8 that a 10-year-old child died. “It is difficult. It’s a sombre and it’s a sad day,” said North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Mansoor
North Vancouver RCMP and BC Coroners Service members investigate after a 10-year-old boy was killed in a crash on the water off Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park on Saturday evening. MARK TEASDALE Sahak on Sunday. A second child was airlifted to the hospital and as of June 9, the child was still in critical condition. Police did not release the age of this child. The driver of the speed boat that struck the inflatable
tube was arrested on June 7 after the incident. “Alcohol and speed may have been a factor in the collision, and as the investigation continues, officers will work to uncover all available evidence pointing to the cause of Continued on A24