The teenager who died in a shocking pedestrian rollover accident in downtown Toronto on Boxing Day has been identified by the family as 18-year-old Kean McKenzie, a “wonderful” young man who is being remembered for his kindness.
“Our family is deeply saddened by Kean’s death. We not only mourn the loss of a wonderful young man, cut off from the prime of his life, but the many contributions he would have made to this world with his kindness, generous spirit and intellect, ”said his mother, Jodi. “His family and many friends will miss him deeply, who share our disbelief that something so tragic has happened.”
McKenzie, of Hamilton, died in hospital Saturday, less than a week after he was struck in broad daylight on Richmond Street West and Yonge Street.
According to police, the accident occurred around 2 p.m. when a 32-year-old male driver heading west on Richmond crossed the path of the 22-year-old male driver of a Kia traveling in the same direction.
When the cars collided, the Kia rolled onto its side and struck several pedestrians. Eight people were taken to the hospital, two of them in danger of death. Among the victims were two children with minor injuries.
“We hope that the foolish way in which his life was taken from us will harden the determination of those in our legal system to see that all victims receive true justice, and that this serves as a reminder that we have a long way to go. to make sure pedestrians and bicyclists are safe in our cities, ”said McKenzie’s mother.
The shocking accident was met with protests by pedestrian safety advocates, who were especially critical of comments from Toronto Const police. Tony Macías, who urged pedestrians to “keep their eyes open” during a interview with CP24 shortly after the accident.
McKenzie’s family had established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help pay for McKenzie’s recovery. As of Monday, the campaign had raised $ 53,000.
According to the page, McKenzie’s brother Dylan was also beaten up and was in serious condition but is doing better as of the latest update.
In 2021, 25 pedestrians lost their lives in Toronto as a result of traffic collisions, according to city data.
Police said Sunday that the investigation is ongoing by members of the Traffic Services. Anyone with information or images of the dash cam incident is asked to contact investigators.
Reference-www.thestar.com