Scholarship launched for volleyball player killed in B.C. car crash, two critically injured athletes identified online
A scholarship has been set up in memory of the varsity volleyball player killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Kamloops, B.C., last week.
The tragic collision near Thompson Rivers University involved six cars and sent seven people to hospital, three of them members of the men’s volleyball team at the school. One of the young athletes died in hospital and two were left with life-altering injuries.
Owyn McInnis, an outside hitter originally from Guelph, Ont., has been identified as the student killed. He was 22.
“Owyn was a son, brother, fiancé, teammate and so much more,” reads a post on TRU Wolfpack’s website. “He brightened the day of anyone lucky enough to talk with him and we miss him greatly.”
The university said a $20,000 contribution from two anonymous donors will fund the Owyn McInnis Memorial Men’s Volleyball Athletic Award to keep his legacy alive.
An online fundraiser was also set up Tuesday for McInnis’ family to cover funeral costs.
“From the day he was born, Owyn brought immense joy and warmth into our lives. As a varsity athlete, he showcased not only exceptional skill but also unwavering dedication to his craft,” the GoFundMe description reads.
The catastrophic crash happened around 3 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the intersection of McGill Road and University Drive, when a Dodge Ram truck hit “several small trees” before striking a Volkswagen—containing the three volleyball players—that was stopped at a red light, according to Mounties. The collision resulted in secondary crashes with four other vehicles.
A memorial for TRU Wolfpack volleyball player Owyn McInnis was set up at the scene of the crash. (Image credit: Kristen Holliday/Castanet)
The two critically injured athletes—both from Kelowna—have been identified through online fundraisers.
A GoFundMe for Owen Waterhouse created Monday states he remains in a medically induced coma in a Kamloops hospital ICU and has sustained severe brain trauma.
“More than just an outside hitter and an exemplary teammate for the TRU Wolfpack Men's volleyball team, Owen is an extraordinary young man who lights up any room he enters with his smile,” reads the fundraiser’s description. “His love for his family, friends, all animals and every imaginable sport, is known to all.”
The fundraiser for the Waterhouse family has raised over $110,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
Psychology student Riley Brinnen was taken by air ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital after the crash with a severe spinal injury, according to the GoFundMe set up for him on Saturday. The organizer, his sister, writes he underwent surgery last Thursday and is currently in the spinal ICU, and that it’s expected he’ll stay at the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre for several months.
“Riley is a strong, athletic, absolute sweetheart of a man,” the description reads. “We love you Riley and are here for the long haul.”
Brinnen’s fundraiser has garnered more than $93,000 in donations as of Tuesday afternoon.
Police are urging anyone with dash cam video or information about the crash to call the Kamloops RCMP detachment at 250-828-3000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed Thursday in Nepean dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
Mexican authorities say thieves killed 2 Australians and an American to steal their truck
Thieves killed two Australians and an American on a surfing trip to Mexico in order to steal their truck, particularly because they wanted the tires, authorities said Sunday.
1 person killed and 23 injured in a bus crash in northern Maryland, police say
One person was killed and 23 others were injured when a bus crashed early Sunday on Interstate 95 in northern Maryland, police said.