A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family of a Victoria man who died in a skydiving accident near Nanoose Bay early Sunday evening.
The fundraiser is in support of Marlena Smith, widow of deceased skydiver James Smith, as well as their two children, one of whom is only eight months old.
The GoFundMe says that Marlena Smith is a stay at home mom and the family is without a rainy day fund.
It also states that Smith’s death was not covered by “extra insurances.” The fundraiser was organized by Murrin Beweck of Tofino.
In a phone call with Victoria Buzz earlier this week, owner/operator of Skydive Vancouver Island Gord Gauvin stated that Smith, who was an experienced skydiver, died while performing a complicated maneuver.
Gauvin says that members of the community are meeting with grief counselors as they come to terms with the loss of a dear friend. His company is also making one-on-one counseling available to his employees.
As for the GoFundMe account in support of Smith’s family, it had raised over $22,000 for a $20,000 goal as of Thursday afternoon.
Those wishing to further contribute can find the GoFundMe page here.
