by Tragic Highway Accident Claims Life of a Metro Vancouver Father.
A Metro Vancouver father, Ravil Gabbassov, tragically lost his life in a fatal head-on collision on the Coquihalla Highway last Monday morning. The calamity occurred while Gabbassov and his son, Timur, were returning home from a victorious hockey tournament in Kelowna, as announced by a heartfelt post from the New Westminster Minor Hockey Association on Facebook.
Unfortunate Journey Amidst Harsh Weather Conditions
On the fateful day of the accident, Environment Canada had issued warnings of perilously heavy snowfalls and blizzard-like conditions, making the roads precarious for drivers. Despite the hazardous weather, Ravil and Timur embarked on their journey home. Approximately 41 kilometers south of Merritt, the Ford F-150 that Ravil was driving veered off its lane and collided head-on with a semi-truck and trailer, as reported by the local authorities.
A Devastating Loss and a Brave Survival
Ravil tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the accident. Timur, however, narrowly escaped with minor injuries and was promptly airlifted to a nearby hospital, as stated by the hockey association. The severity of his condition is still under assessment by the medical experts.
A Community Mourning and Rallying Support
In the wake of this tragic incident, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to aid the grieving family. The fundraiser’s description reads, “We extend our deepest condolences to the Gabbassov family. In this challenging time, our hockey community stands as one.” The New Westminster U15A1 team, which had recently clinched the gold at the tournament in Kelowna, mainly due to Timur’s tying goal in the final game, has decided to continue playing in honor of Ravil.
Call for Unity and Support
The hockey association is rallying the “New Westminster Royals family” to support the Gabbassovs during their match against Semiahmoo in South Surrey. “Please wear your New Westminster jerseys to show love, strength, and unity,” the NWMHA urged.
Cause of the Accident Under Investigation
The cause of the fatal collision remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant dash camera footage is urged to contact the Merritt RCMP detachment at 250-378-4262.
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