Thousands raised for family of Victoria man who died in skydiving accident
about 5 years in timescolonist
More than $24,000 has been raised for the family of a Victoria man who died Sunday in a skydiving accident.
James Smith is survived by his wife, Marlena, three-year-old daughter Cedar, and eight-month-old son Bodhi.
“James was a professional skydiver and a self-employed carpenter that was well-respected by his peers,” the page says. “Although James was able to provide a decent family income, he was not covered by any extra insurance and did not have a ‘rainy day’ fund.
“Marlena (who has been a stay at home Mom) and their children are going to need all of the financial and emotional support they can get.”
Contributors to the page left personal comments, including: “Blue skies friend. I take a little comfort knowing you left us doing what you loved.”
Another described James as an “incredibly special person,” as well as an uncle and a friend.
“I love him, and it’s important to me that his wife and children are taken care of in every way possible.”
By late Thursday afternoon, $24,410 had been raised, surpassing the initial goal of $20,000.
The accident happened in Nanoose Bay, where Skydive Vancouver Island is located.
Company owner Gord Gauvin said Smith’s death has been hard on the Island’s tight-knit skydiving community.
He said Smith was very experienced, with more than 1,000 skydives, and was also a coach and instructor.
The Canadian Sport Parachuting Association is investigating the incident.
The fundraising page can be found here.
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