A devastating accident on June 21st resulted in the death of a 16-year-old Victoria boy.
Gabriel Pollard, who suffered from a severe form of muscular dystrophy (MD) was finishing up a sailing trip with the Disabled Sailing Association, when the sling used to carry him to shore broke and dropped him into the water.
According to several reports, the team brought him back to land after he was in the water about 15 minutes, but on the way to hospital Pollard had a seizure and passed away.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service and the BC Coroner’s Service are currently investigating the death.
GoFundMe page
His uncle, Marcus Pollard has started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with the funeral costs and other expenses during this difficult time. Since its creation on Wednesday, June 27th, the page has raised almost $4,500 of it’s $15,000 goal at the time of publication.
“Gabe’s mother (my sister) was with him the whole time, and watched the whole thing. It is a parent’s and a family’s worst nightmare,” reads the page. “I know my sister will never be the same, and we have lost the last years of this amazing young man’s life.”
By several accounts, the teenager was a vibrant individual in spite of his disability, and had a light and airy spirit.
Here is a memorial video produced by Roll.Focus. Productions featuring an interview with Gabriel before the tragic accident.
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