Extended family of a woman killed by a falling tree branch in Chilliwack have started a fundraiser for her husband and their children.
Tori Meade, 27, died when the branch fell during a powerful windstorm on Monday afternoon while she was walking with two of her kids near a dog park at Island 22.
Police said the weather was severe and unpredictable at the time, with winds gusting to 80 km/h. The two children were unhurt and are safe with family, said Chilliwack RCMP.
Others walking on the trail came to her aid and called 911, but first responders were unable to save her.
Though police didn’t release Meade’s name, extended family and friends have started a
and are sharing their grief.
“Tori was a devoted mother, a loving partner and an irreplaceable part of many lives,” wrote Haley Holland on GoFundMe.
She leaves behind her partner, Nicholas; her two daughters, Adley and Athena; her son, Khai; and her two stepdaughters, Adrianna and Grace.
“Tori’s love extended beyond titles — she was family, deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all those whose lives she touched.”
Holland said the sudden loss “left her family not only grieving, but also facing unexpected financial burdens.”
The funds will go to funeral and memorial expenses.
Metro Vancouver staff were out Wednesday assessing parks, trees and trails after the storm and would close trails as needed, said spokeswoman Jennifer Saltman.
Earlier in the week, the regional authority closed Grouse Mountain and Widgeon Marsh regional parks ahead of the storm. Grouse Mountain park has since reopened but Widgeon Marsh park, which is located along the Pitt River northeast of Coquitlam, remains closed.
Those wishing to donate can visit
. The fundraiser was about 30 per cent short of its goal of $28,000 late Wednesday afternoon.
With files from Cheryl Chan
