Timur Gabbassov (left) and his parents Monica and Ravil. (Photo via Johanna Swanson/GoFundMe)
The victim in Monday’s head-on crash on the Coquihalla has been identified online as a New Westminster man who was driving his son home from a hockey tournament in Kelowna.
The New Westminster Minor Hockey Association (NWMHA) says Ravil Gabbassov was killed in the crash south of Merritt, which left his son, Timur, with minor injuries.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Gabbassov family,” the Association said on Facebook.
“In this challenging time, our hockey community stands as one. Counselling services are available for those affected through NWMHA/BC Hockey/Hockey Canada.”
An online fundraiser is hoping to raise $15,000 to support Gabbassov’s wife and two children.
Organizer Johanna Swanson said Rahim and Timur chose to get a hotel Sunday night as the game ended late. She said the pair planned to make the trip back to the Lower Mainland during daylight hours on Monday.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Gabbassov family,” Swanson said. “In this challenging time, our hockey community stands as one.”
“We don’t know what the future holds and would like to offer financial support as the family navigates the coming months.”
Merritt RCMP Staff Sgt. Josh Roda said a southbound Ford F-150 crossed the centre median ditch into the path of the northbound semi just before noon on Monday.
Roda said the driver of the pick up was killed at the scene, while the passenger was airlifted to hospital. The driver of the semi suffered minor injuries.
“Ravil turned the vehicle in time for the impact of the semi-truck to hit the driver side,” Swanson said. “Timur describes his dad as a true hero for his act to save his life at the cost of his own.”
The NWMHA says the U15A1 team voted to play its Tuesday night game against Semiahmoo “to support the family” as “Ravil wouldn’t have missed a game.”
It also said that the U15A1 team won gold at the Kelowna tournament, with Swanson adding that Timur scored the game tying goal.
Mounties say the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
