A woman raising money to support the family of Ava Choy after her tragic death during the Okanagan Granfondo says the cyclist was “small in stature, but mighty in spirit.”
Choy was one of three participants hit by a vehicle during the race while riding on White Lake Road in Kaleden on July 13.
The Vancouver native tragically succumbed to her injuries at the young age of 49.
Late last week, Amanda Coutts started a GoFundMe on behalf of the Choy family to give their fallen member the dignified and loving farewell she deserves.
Coutts says Choy’s determination, energy and generosity touched so many lives and she “was a Fire Dragon through and through.”
In Chinese astrology, the Fire Dragon is associated with people born in 1976, as Choy was, and symbolizes passion, vitality, ambition and leadership.
According to Coutts, Choy "had a deep love for being physically active, a soul drawn to the beauty and peace of Hawaii, and a heart committed to helping others through countless hours of volunteering."
While Coutts says Choy died doing something she loved – riding her bike alongside a community of cyclists who shared her passion – her unexpected passing has left the family in a state of deep shock and sorrow.
“Losing someone so suddenly not only brings emotional pain, but financial strain as we navigate this heartbreaking chapter,” Coutts explained.
The fundraiser will help cover the costs of unexpected funeral arrangements and other surprise expenses associated with Choy’s death.
The GoFundMe has raised just over $15,000 toward a $30,000 goal so far.
On the day of the crash, police said an investigation into the incident was ongoing, but have not provided any further updates since.
The next morning, Okanagan Granfondo executive director Jodi Cross told NowMedia that the “weekend was difficult.”
“We’re heartbroken about the tragedy, and we’re thinking about the family and friends of those impacted,” she said. “Our hearts go out to them with deep sympathy and the grief they are facing.”
