Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is mourning the loss of one of its athletes, Owyn McInnis, who tragically died in a multi-vehicle crash in Kamloops on November 29. McInnis was a fourth-year outside hitter for the TRU men’s volleyball team and hailed from Guelph, Ontario. The young athlete’s death has left his teammates and the entire TRU community devastated.
In addition to McInnis, two of his teammates were also involved in the accident and are currently being treated at Royal Inland Hospital for critical injuries. The news of McInnis’s passing was confirmed by his mother, Erin Walter, in a heartfelt Instagram post. Walter’s post, which has since been made private, expressed her grief and mentioned an ongoing criminal investigation into the crash.
The McInnis family had been in Kamloops to support Owyn during a volleyball tournament held from November 24 to November 26. In a show of support and remembrance, TRU’s men’s volleyball team announced the establishment of the Owyn McInnis Memorial Men’s Volleyball Athletic Award. Generous donations from two individuals have already contributed a total of $20,000 to the fund.
The community has rallied around the grieving team, offering their condolences and support during this difficult time. The TRU men’s volleyball team expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love they have received, stating, “At a time of heartache, your love and support has been felt.”
The crash, which occurred around 3 p.m., involved a total of six vehicles and resulted in injuries to 11 people. Seven of those injured were taken to the hospital for treatment. The incident has sparked widespread concern and prompted authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
As TRU and the Kamloops community mourn the loss of Owyn McInnis, they continue to come together to support his grieving family and teammates. The university and its athletic department are working to ensure that McInnis’s memory and contributions to the volleyball team are properly honored. The tragic accident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.