by Tragic Accident Claims Life of Lower Mainland Minor Hockey Player’s Father.
A man tragically lost his life in a vehicular crash that took place on the Coquihalla Highway, approximately 41 kkilometerssouth of Merritt, as confirmed by the New Westminster Minor Hockey Association (NWMHA). The deceased, Ravil Gabbassov, is the father of Timur Gabbassov, a young hockey player from the Lower Mainland who, fortunately, survived the fatal incident with minimal injuries.
BC Emergency Health Services Investigates the Collision
The BC Emergency Health Services reported that the crash occurred around 11:30 a.m. on Monday. Preliminary investigations reveal that a Ford F150, heading south, veered across the center median and began moving into oncoming traffic. The F150 eventually collided with a semi-truck in the slow lane. Authorities confirmed the driver of the F150, Ravil Gabbassov, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger was airlifted to the hospital. The semi-truck driver sustained minor injuries. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. However, heavy snowfall in the region during the accident may have contributed to the tragedy.
Hockey Community Rallies in Support of the Gabbassov Family
President of the New Westminster Minor Hockey Association, Justin Bourne, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, noting that this tragedy has touched many lives. However, he also emphasized the commendable sense of community and support shown by the association and the broader community towards Timur and his family in these trying times.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the Gabbassov family. It offers insight into the circumstances leading up to the tragic event. Timur and his father were in Kelowna for a hockey tournament over the weekend, where Timur’s goal helped the New Westminster team secure a gold medal. Ravil and Timur decided to stay overnight in a hotel and commence their journey home in daylight hours on Monday, the day the accident occurred.
Remembering Ravil Gabbassov
Ravil Gabbassov leaves behind a wife, daughter, and son. The GoFundMe fundraiser aims to offer financial support to the bereaved family as they navigate through the difficult months ahead. Despite the profound sadness, the hockey team showed admirable strength and unity. They voted unanimously to play their next scheduled game, in hhonorof Ravil’s unwavering support throughout the season.
The New Westminster Minor Hockey Association, BC Hockey, and Hockey Canada offer counseling services to anyone affected by this tragic incident. The NWMHA urged its members to support the Gabbassov family by attending the upcoming game against Semiahmoo at the South Surrey Arena, donned in their New Westminster jerseys to signal love, strength, and unity.
About the Coquihalla Highway
The Coquihalla Highway, where the accident occurred, is vital to British Columbia’s highway system, connecting the Lower Mainland with the province’s interior. The highway is known for its scenic beauty and challenging driving conditions, particularly in winter when the region often experiences heavy snowfall.
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