
‘Devastating': Community reeling after fatal crash during Okanagan Granfondo

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Vancouver Sun
20 minutes ago
- Vancouver Sun
'Doing something she loved': Fundraiser launched for cyclist killed at Okanagan Granfondo
Ava Choy was 'doing something she loved — riding her bike amongst a community of cyclists who shared her passion' — when she was tragically hit and killed during the Okanagan Granfondo earlier this month. Friends and family are remembering Choy's 'fire dragon' energy as they reach out for help with funeral expenses after her sudden death. Amanda Coutts, on behalf of the family, identified Choy as the victim of a fatal collision with a vehicle during the July 13 community ride through Penticton. Two other riders were sent to hospital with serious injuries. Granfondo executive director Jodi Cross referred questions about the crash to police, but said the other two riders have been released from hospital and are recovering. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Cross also confirmed the driver involved was not a worker, volunteer or anyone involved in the cycling event. An obituary said Choy grew up in east Vancouver and has a degree from Simon Fraser University. It described her as a passionate fitness enthusiast including competing at the international level in kung fu from an early age. It said she and her brother, Dickson Choy, were members of a local cycling club. Choy had worked with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services since 2015, after working as a lifeguard and swimming instructor with the City of Vancouver, and was an avid volunteer including serving as a crossing guard. Along with Dickson, she is survived by parents Tim and Monica Choy. On the GoFundMe page, Coutts said Choy 'had a deep love for being physically active, a soul drawn to the beauty and peace of Hawaii, and a heart committed to helping others through countless hours of volunteering. 'Her determination, energy, and generosity touched so many lives. Ava was small in stature, but mighty in spirit. She was a 'fire dragon' through and through.' Coutts said all funds raised will go to Choy's family for funeral arrangements and associated expenses. 'Losing someone so suddenly not only brings emotional pain, but financial strain as we navigate this heartbreaking chapter.' Choy's obituary said a visitation open to all has been scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, 1835 East Hastings St. in Vancouver. The family funeral will be private, though a celebration of Choy's life may be held in future. Penticton RCMP Const. Kelly Brett said police are not releasing any information about the crash while it remains under investigation. jruttle@


CTV News
20 minutes ago
- CTV News
1 dead after crash, vehicle fire in West Vancouver
Police in West Vancouver are appealing for witnesses after a one person died in a crash Tuesday afternoon. Officers were called to the scene of a single-vehicle collision on Pound Road around noon, according to a statement from the West Vancouver Police Department. 'While we are in the early stages of the investigation, current evidence suggests that the vehicle was travelling east on Pound Road when it left the roadway before hitting a tree and catching fire,' a spokesperson wrote on Tuesday. 'Tragically, the lone occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.' The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service and the BC Coroners Service were called in to assist with the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has dash-cam video from the area is urged to call 604-925-7300. 'The West Vancouver Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and all those impacted by this unfortunate event,' the statement from police said, adding that witnesses 'struggling' in the aftermath of the incident can contact victim services by calling 604-925-7468.


CTV News
20 minutes ago
- CTV News
Man wanted following early morning break-and-enter into home: Toronto police
Toronto police are searching for a man accused of breaking into a home in the city's east end on July 22. Toronto police are searching for a man accused of breaking into a home in the city's east end earlier this month. Police say just after 5 a.m. on July 22, a man broke into a home in the Broadview and Danforth avenues area, near the Don Valley Parkway. They allege that he stole a 'quantity of property' before fleeing eastbound along Danforth. The man is described by police as having a large build, and he was last seen wearing a brown jacket, black baseball hat, and blue pants. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.