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CBC
13 hours ago
- CBC
10-year-old child killed in North Vancouver boat crash identified
Social Sharing The 10-year-old victim of a speedboat crash in North Vancouver on Saturday evening has been identified as Lionel Hall. Hall and another child were on an inflatable tube and being towed by a boat when it was struck by a speedboat off the shore of Cates Park just before 6:30 p.m. PT on Saturday. Hall died on scene and the second child was airlifted to hospital in serious condition. Alcohol and speed are being investigated as factors in the fatal crash, and police arrested a North Vancouver man shortly after. He has not been named and hasn't been charged. Hall was identified as the victim by family friend Coreena Robertson, who said the 10-year-old's mother Shelley Klassen and father Jason Hall described their son as "larger than life itself." Robertson said family, loved ones and Hall's friends were supporting the Hall family in the aftermath of the tragedy. "The parents that I've seen come here with tears in their eyes ... really hard," she told CBC News. "It's also beautiful to see, you know, [where] the love that Lionel's heart, and just his light, reached." WATCH | Child dies in speedboat crash: 1 child dead in boat crash at North Vancouver's Cates Park 1 day ago Duration 2:47 A 10-year-old was killed and another is in critical condition after a speedboat hit an inflatable tube carrying two children at Cates Park in North Vancouver Saturday evening. As Leanne Yu reports, police say alcohol and speed may have been factors in the crash. Robertson said Hall was a budding athlete who enjoyed soccer, rugby, hurdles and track. She said his family deserves answers after the tragedy, and that police should look into why the speedboat driver was not stopped before the crash. "This should be a fun, enjoyable activity that kids and family members can enjoy and not feel like ... it's going to end in a tragedy," she said. RCMP confirmed the speedboat driver was released from custody Sunday. He has a court date set for Aug. 27. Hall and the other child on the inflatable tube were not related, according to police, but the 10-year-old was confirmed as a student of the Vancouver school district. A spokesperson for the Vancouver School Board said additional supports and counsellors had been made available to students at the victim's school. District to talk with port authority Cates Park is located at the eastern end of Dollarton Highway, along the Burrard Inlet shoreline. The popular boat launch at the park, which is also known as Whey-ah-Wichen, was closed Saturday while police investigated. It has since reopened. District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little said Monday that his staff would talk to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority about beefing up regulations around the popular park. The port authority is responsible for regulating traffic in the Burrard Inlet, the body of water where the fatal crash occurred, and police said Sunday that multiple speed regulations already exist in the area — which lies across from an oil terminal. "[The port] is the agency that's responsible for the navigable water's areas," Little told Michelle Eliot, host of CBC's BC Today. " And so [we'll] work with them, see if there's different speed limits that can be considered, or perhaps channels and lanes so that you have slow traffic separated from faster traffic."
National Post
14 hours ago
- National Post
Family shares love for boy, 10, killed in Vancouver boat crash: 'He was a champion'
Article content Article content Shelley Klassen says her 10-year-old son Lionel and his best friend since kindergarten were 'super excited' on a hot, sunny Saturday to spend the afternoon tubing on the waters off Cates Park in North Vancouver. Article content 'We thought it was a great, fun day for the kids,' said the grieving mother over the phone on Monday — while she and the family come to grips with Lionel's death when the inflatable raft they were being towed on was hit by a speed boat, a catastrophic crash that also left his friend in critical condition. Article content North Vancouver RCMP say the driver of the boat that hit them was arrested and released on conditions until an Aug. 27 court date, and police allege speed and alcohol are likely factors. Article content Klassen said they thought they did their 'due diligence' and knew the family well who were towing the boys behind their boat. 'The mother was an experienced boater and she had taken the kids out many times. … It was going to be a great day of fun out on the water. Article content 'We did not think in a million years something like this would happen.' Article content Klassen said the boys and the adults with them were due home around 9 p.m. When they failed to show up, she texted, then called the other boy's mother. Article content 'She answered the phone, but she was incoherent,' said Klassen. 'She couldn't tell me, she just was mumbling and crying, and saying, 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.'' Article content After frantically calling 911 and hospitals, Klassen and her husband, Jason Hall, were told police were coming to see them. Their youngest child was dead. Article content 'We've been told that he was killed on impact, thank god,' said Klassen. 'I'm praying that he didn't see it coming and he went out joyfully.' Article content Article content 'He was that kid where everybody loved him, and he was always for the underdog,' said Klassen. 'He was full of life and light, he was that guy, joyful, dancing, non-stop funny, great sense of humour,' she said. 'We were so ridiculously blessed to have him.' Article content Klassen and Hall say Lionel's friend is not doing well. They've been told he has a brain injury and several skull and limb fractures. 'He's in an induced coma and he's non-responsive,' said Klassen. Article content Klassen said Lionel was a budding sports phenom who liked everything, including track, rugby and soccer, but especially soccer. 'He got to see Lionel Messi play when he came (to Vancouver). He got to go to the game.' Article content Police say the investigation continues. 'We expect to forward charges at a later date,' said RCMP Cpl. Mansoor Sahak on Monday. After the collision, many people reported seeing a speed boat that matched the description of the vessel that police towed — a Scarab 33 cigarette boat — speeding around Indian Arm that day. Article content Just after 6 p.m., John Belisle and his wife were in their kayaks when they spotted a boat leaving Deep Cove at speeds of about 80 km/h. It was initially beside with another watercraft, said Belisle, and he wasn't sure if they were racing or travelling together. But within seconds, the Scarab left the other boat behind in its wake. Article content 'We've never seen a boat going at that speed that close to shore,' he said. 'We were just dumbfounded.' Article content Article content Belisle and his wife visually followed the boat until it disappeared around the bend as it approached Cates Park. 'Both of us were going 'I hope that person doesn't get a kayaker.'' Article content They paddled along, enjoying the busy waterway on a sunny and warm spring evening. Then, about 20 minutes later, they heard sirens pierce the air. Article content Police have not identified the operator of the boat, but friends and acquaintances who know him told Postmedia the man is a 38-year-old North Vancouver resident, and an avid boater. Article content He also likes riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and knows how to fly helicopters. Article content At the time of the crash, the man was with his girlfriend, a male friend and a fourth person. Article content Parents Klassen and Hall say they're telling Lionel's two older siblings the family must 'live big' now, as Lionel did. Article content 'We were telling them, this is for us to live big and be big, and not shrink and crumble,' says Klassen. 'We've got him under our wings, he is still with us. He is the biggest, brightest light and we are always still connected. Article content Article content Article content Article content
Toronto Sun
14 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Family shares love for B.C. boy, 10, killed when speed boat hit raft: 'Generous of heart'
Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall, with mother Shelley Klassen. Photo by Photos courtesy of the Klassen-Hall family Shelley Klassen says her 10-year-old son Lionel and his best friend since kindergarten were 'super excited' on a hot, sunny Saturday to spend the afternoon tubing on the waters off Cates Park in North Vancouver. 'We thought it was a great, fun day for the kids,' said the grieving mother over the phone on Monday — while she and the family come to grips with Lionel's death when the inflatable raft they were being towed on was hit by a speed boat, a catastrophic crash that also left his friend in critical condition. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account North Vancouver RCMP say the driver of the boat that hit them was arrested and released on conditions until an Aug. 27 court date, and police allege speed and alcohol are likely factors. Klassen said they thought they did their 'due diligence' and knew the family well who were towing the boys behind their boat. 'The mother was an experienced boater and she had taken the kids out many times. … It was going to be a great day of fun out on the water. 'We did not think in a million years something like this would happen.' Klassen said the boys and the adults with them were due home around 9 p.m. When they failed to show up, she texted, then called the other boy's mother. 'She answered the phone, but she was incoherent,' said Klassen. 'She couldn't tell me, she just was mumbling and crying, and saying, 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.'' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After frantically calling 911 and hospitals, Klassen and her husband, Jason Hall, were told police were coming to see them. Their youngest child was dead. 'We've been told that he was killed on impact, thank god,' said Klassen. 'I'm praying that he didn't see it coming and he went out joyfully.' Lionel's parents say he took the slightly younger boy under his wing early in their school days. 'Lionel always kept his best friend close to him,' said Hall. 'He was generous of heart like that. He always tried to take care of everybody.' Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall, with mother Shelley Klassen. Photo by Photos courtesy of the Klassen-Hall family 'He was that kid where everybody loved him, and he was always for the underdog,' said Klassen. 'He was full of life and light, he was that guy, joyful, dancing, non-stop funny, great sense of humour,' she said. 'We were so ridiculously blessed to have him.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Klassen and Hall say Lionel's friend is not doing well. They've been told he has a brain injury and several skull and limb fractures. 'He's in an induced coma and he's non-responsive,' said Klassen. Klassen said Lionel was a budding sports phenom who liked everything, including track, rugby and soccer, but especially soccer. 'He got to see Lionel Messi play when he came (to Vancouver). He got to go to the game.' Police say the investigation continues. 'We expect to forward charges at a later date,' said RCMP Cpl. Mansoor Sahak on Monday. After the collision, many people reported seeing a speed boat that matched the description of the vessel that police towed — a Scarab 33 cigarette boat — speeding around Indian Arm that day. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Just after 6 p.m., John Belisle and his wife were in their kayaks when they spotted a boat leaving Deep Cove at speeds of about 80 km/h. It was initially beside with another watercraft, said Belisle, and he wasn't sure if they were racing or travelling together. But within seconds, the Scarab left the other boat behind in its wake. 'We've never seen a boat going at that speed that close to shore,' he said. 'We were just dumbfounded.' The scene at Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 7, after a child was killed and another critically injured in a boating crash. Photo by Shane MacKichan Belisle and his wife visually followed the boat until it disappeared around the bend as it approached Cates Park. 'Both of us were going 'I hope that person doesn't get a kayaker.'' They paddled along, enjoying the busy waterway on a sunny and warm spring evening. Then, about 20 minutes later, they heard sirens pierce the air. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Police have not identified the operator of the boat, but friends and acquaintances who know him told Postmedia the man is a 38-year-old North Vancouver resident, and an avid boater. He also likes riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and knows how to fly helicopters. At the time of the crash, the man was with his girlfriend, a male friend and a fourth person. Parents Klassen and Hall say they're telling Lionel's two older siblings the family must 'live big' now, as Lionel did. 'We were telling them, this is for us to live big and be big, and not shrink and crumble,' says Klassen. 'We've got him under our wings, he is still with us. He is the biggest, brightest light and we are always still connected. 'He wants us to go big, and we're going to do it. We're going to be strong as a family and we're going to live the best lives we can live.' jruttle@ chchan@ Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall , left, in a photo in church with his mother, Shelley Klassen, his dad Jason Hall and his two older siblings, Julius and Abigail — was killed in a speed boat crash off Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 7, 2025. His friend since kindergarten, who was riding in the same inflatable that got hit, is in critical condition. Photo by Handout / Klassen-Hall family Toronto Blue Jays Editorial Cartoons World Ontario Olympics
The Province
a day ago
- The Province
'He was a champion': Family shares love for boy, 10, killed in North Vancouver boat crash
Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall, with mother Shelley Klassen. Photo by Photos courtesy of the Klassen-Hall family Shelley Klassen says her 10-year-old son Lionel and his best friend since kindergarten were 'super excited' on a hot, sunny Saturday to spend the afternoon tubing on the waters off Cates Park in North Vancouver. 'We thought it was a great, fun day for the kids,' said the grieving mother over the phone on Monday — while she and the family come to grips with Lionel's death when the inflatable raft they were being towed on was hit by a speed boat, a catastrophic crash that also left his friend in critical condition. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors North Vancouver RCMP say the driver of the boat that hit them was arrested and released on conditions until an Aug. 27 court date, and police allege speed and alcohol are likely factors. Klassen said they thought they did their 'due diligence' and knew the family well who were towing the boys behind their boat. 'The mother was an experienced boater and she had taken the kids out many times. … It was going to be a great day of fun out on the water. 'We did not think in a million years something like this would happen.' Klassen said the boys and the adults with them were due home around 9 p.m. When they failed to show up, she texted, then called the other boy's mother. 'She answered the phone, but she was incoherent,' said Klassen. 'She couldn't tell me, she just was mumbling and crying, and saying, 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry.'' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After frantically calling 911 and hospitals, Klassen and her husband, Jason Hall, were told police were coming to see them. Their youngest child was dead. 'We've been told that he was killed on impact, thank god,' said Klassen. 'I'm praying that he didn't see it coming and he went out joyfully.' Lionel's parents say he took the slightly younger boy under his wing early in their school days. 'Lionel always kept his best friend close to him,' said Hall. 'He was generous of heart like that. He always tried to take care of everybody.' Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall, with mother Shelley Klassen. Photo by Photos courtesy of the Klassen-Hall family 'He was that kid where everybody loved him, and he was always for the underdog,' said Klassen. 'He was full of life and light, he was that guy, joyful, dancing, non-stop funny, great sense of humour,' she said. 'We were so ridiculously blessed to have him.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Klassen and Hall say Lionel's friend is not doing not well. They've been told he has a brain injury and several skull and limb fractures. 'He's in an induced coma and he's non-responsive,' said Klassen. Klassen said Lionel was a budding sports phenom who liked everything, including track, rugby and soccer, but especially soccer. 'He got to see Lionel Messi play when he came (to Vancouver). He got to go to the game.' Police say the investigation continues. 'We expect to forward charges at a later date,' said RCMP Cpl. Mansoor Sahak on Monday. After the collision, many people reported seeing a speed boat that matched the description of the vessel that police towed — a Scarab 33 cigarette boat — speeding around Indian Arm that day. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Just after 6 p.m., John Belisle and his wife were in their kayaks when they spotted a boat leaving Deep Cove at speeds of about 80 km/h. It was initially beside with another watercraft, said Belisle, and he wasn't sure if they were racing or travelling together. But within seconds, the Scarab left the other boat behind in its wake. 'We've never seen a boat going at that speed that close to shore,' he said. 'We were just dumbfounded.' The scene at Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 7, after a child was killed and another critically injured in a boating crash. Photo by Shane MacKichan Belisle and his wife visually followed the boat until it disappeared around the bend as it approached Cates Park. 'Both of us were going 'I hope that person doesn't get a kayaker.'' They paddled along, enjoying the busy waterway on a sunny and warm spring evening. Then, about 20 minutes later, they heard sirens pierce the air. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Police have not identified the operator of the boat, but friends and acquaintances who know him told Postmedia the man is a 38-year-old North Vancouver resident, and an avid boater. He also likes riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and knows how to fly helicopters. At the time of the crash, the man was with his girlfriend, a male friend and a fourth person. Parents Klassen and Hall say they're telling Lionel's two older siblings the family must 'live big' now, as Lionel did. 'We were telling them, this is for us to live big and be big, and not shrink and crumble,' says Klassen. 'We've got him under our wings, he is still with us. He is the biggest, brightest light and we are always still connected. 'He wants us to go big, and we're going to do it. We're going to be strong as a family and we're going to live the best lives we can live.' jruttle@ chchan@ Ten-year-old Lionel Klassen-Hall , left, in a photo in church with his mother, Shelley Klassen, his dad Jason Hall and his two older siblings, Julius and Abigail — was killed in a speed boat crash off Cates Park in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 7, 2025. His friend since kindergarten, who was riding in the same inflatable that got hit, is in critical condition. Photo by Handout / Klassen-Hall family Vancouver Canucks Sports Vancouver Canucks Local News News
CTV News
a day ago
- CTV News
Boy killed in North Vancouver boat crash identified online
Lionel, the victim of a fatal boat crash in North Vancouver on Saturday, June 7, is pictured with his mother Shelley Klassen in this image posted on a GoFundMe page for the family. The boy killed in a heartbreaking boating incident in North Vancouver Saturday has been identified in an online fundraiser as 10-year-old Lionel. The page, set up by friends of the boy's parents, describes Lionel as clever, sweet, and a talented athlete. It says his 11th birthday would have been in July, and he leaves behind two older siblings. 'Lionel was pure joy and a bright light to all that new him,' the fundraiser reads. Lionel died after a speedboat crashed into the inner tube he was riding with a friend in the waters off of Cates Park. The other boy, who has not been publicly identified, remains in critical condition Monday. Mounties believe both alcohol and speed were factors in the deadly crash, and arrested the driver of the speedboat. The suspect has not been charged yet and was released from custody with conditions Sunday evening. He is due back in court on Aug. 27. 'In order to hold somebody in custody, they would have to be an immediate high risk to public safety,' Cpl. Mansoor Sahak of the North Vancouver RCMP explained. 'And if there's fear that he might be a flight risk.' He said the investigation into the incident is complex and it will take some time to present all the evidence to the BC Prosecution Service for charges to be laid. With files from CTV News Vancouver's Kevin Charach
