‘Full of love’: BC boy killed in Hwy 3 crash ID’d, $90K raised for grieving family

The young victim of a recent fatal crash in the Kootenays has been identified through an online fundraiser.

Melissa Veregin created the GoFundMe in honour of her nephew Everest, who was killed in a crash between his family’s SUV and a snow plow dump truck on Hwy 3 near Castlegar over the weekend.

The fundraiser has already pulled in around $90,000 in donations to support Everest’s grieving family, six times the posted goal of $15,000.

“Everest was a beautiful soul – so full of love, adventure and kindness,” Veregin wrote about her nephew.

“He had an extraordinary gift for making everyone around him feel included and cherished, and his absence has left an immeasurable void in our hearts.”

Veregin says the family has not asked for anything during this “incredibly difficult time,” but she wanted to create the GoFundMe on their behalf and offer people an opportunity to support them.

She explained that Everest’s stepfather Mike, who was driving the vehicle involved in the fatal accident, will need time off work to heal from the traumatic nature of the incident.

Meanwhile, Everest’s biological father Cory will need to step away from work to heal as well, Veregin noted, and the boy’s three siblings will require ongoing counselling.

“There are funeral costs and unforeseen expenses that my hard working sister would do everything in her power to manage,” she wrote.

“Yet, I believe this is a moment where we, as a community, can come together to lighten their burden and sorrow and show them how deeply loved and supported they truly are.”

“If you’re able, please consider contributing to this page we’ve set up to help the family during this unimaginable time,” Veregin added.

“Every gesture, no matter how small, is a heartfelt offering of care and compassion that will help them find their way through this darkness.”

If you would like to contribute to the GoFundMe, click this link.