Family of Canadian cyclist killed in Co Clare crash thank Irish public

Sunday World

2 days ago

Helen Valks (73) was cycling with a tour group when she was involved in a collision with the tractor in Toonagh, Tulla, on Saturday, May 24
The devastated family of a Canadian tourist who died after her bicycle and a tractor crashed in Co Clare last month have spoken of the kindness of local people who helped them.
Helen Valks (73) was cycling with a tour group when she was involved in a collision with the tractor in Toonagh, Tulla, on Saturday, May 24.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene following report of the collision, which occurred on the L3180 at approximately 12.45pm.
She was pronounced deceased at the scene and her body was later removed to the mortuary at University Hospital Limerick.
Now, her family in Canada who rushed to Ireland in the wake of the tragedy of spoken of the kindness of strangers who came to their aid.
Her son, Jeff Valks, and his sister Rachel Oostdyk knew something was wrong when they received messages saying their mother had suffered a fall. Twelve hours later, he was boarding a plane to Ireland.
Helen Valks with her husband
News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025
Gardai escorted the siblings to the same stretch of road where their mother died.
They also learned how hotel staff ensured their father was cared for, while strangers cried with the family and offered their hospitality.
Airport staff even called the family a private shuttle after learning their reasons for visiting Ireland.
Rachel told CBC.ca, that the experience was both difficult and beautiful.
"Nothing prepares you for that moment when you find out your mom is gone, but we were so blessed by the kindness of people, and we can learn so much from what we experienced,' she said.
Rachel described how closely the treatment locals showed to the family resembled how Helen lived her life.
As a breast cancer survivor, nurse, yoga instructor and avid cyclist, Helen touched and inspired countless people, Rachel said.
Helen Valks who died in Ireland
"A lot of people have a tendency, when someone is in pain or suffering, to pull away. But she would dive in. That's what set her apart," Rachel said. "That's what made her so successful as a nurse, mother, grandmother, yoga instructor and friend. Her ability to do what others couldn't."
Jeff remembered how they would be stopped in stores by people whose parents Helen had cared for in the ICU, and they "spoke so highly of her," he said.
Friend and former colleague Kelly Wells said the reason people stopped her and her kids in stores was because 'she got so involved in, not just looking after the patient, but the family'.
'She looked after the whole situation," Wells said. "We're just going to miss her like crazy. She was one-of-a-kind."
A visitation is scheduled for June 5 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Sifton Funeral Home in St Thomas that will be followed by funeral mass on June 6, at 1pm at Holy Angels' Church in St. Thomas.
On June 8, a yoga event is planned to celebrate Helen at Pinafore Park at 9.30am.
Rachel said, adding that through losing her mother she learned a lesson.
"In a moment life can change. Don't get caught up in a moment and miss an opportunity to be with those you love," she said. "Call your mother, linger in that embrace, reorganize your plans, and make it work."
Speaking in the wake of the tragedy, Councillor Mary Howard, Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said the county was celebrating the lack of road deaths so far this year when they heard the news.
'On Friday we were kind of clapping ourselves on the back, saying we had no road deaths – you'd get a chill when you think about it,' Cllr Howard said.
'This woman came to Ireland on holidays, she was enjoying her vacation. This is a nightmare for her family and friends and the rest of the tour group, I can imagine.
'My thoughts and prayers go to her family and her friends who were here with her. There are truly no words.'
This fatality marks the first death on Clare roads this year.