An eight-year-old boy is still fighting for his life after being in a six-vehicle collision that claimed the lives of his twin brother and mother.
Investigators believe one or more vehicles stopped abruptly due to an obstruction — believed to be a ladder — on Highway 1 in Chilliwack around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
Layna Brown was taking her twins to Kelowna to celebrate her birthday when they were involved in the crash.
Brown, 40, and her son Dominic, 8, died. Twin Tristan was taken to BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver with serious injuries and continues to be in the ICU.
On Aug. 8, Tristan’s grandfather and Layna’s father spoke to Glacier Media from BC Children’s Hospital.
"Tristan’s condition has not improved and further tests and surgery have revealed more complications in his healing journey,” says Kevin Brown. "We are hopeful for the best outcomes still, the next couple weeks will give us a much better idea of what that journey will look like.”
A family member started a GoFundMe for Tristan’s recovery and also to cover the cost of the funerals. In less than 19 hours, the fundraiser raised more than $70,000 for the family. As of 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, more than $90,000 has been raised.
"The money everyone has so generously donated is going to help immensely with his recovery,” says Layna’s cousin Dirrae Young.
She wants to express her appreciation for the overwhelming support and kindness everyone has shown.
"I’ve even had strangers reaching out to tell me how saddened they are, how wonderful of a person Layna was and that the world needs more people like her,” says Young.
Kevin says the family is very touched by the generosity and support they are receiving.
"We would like to thank everyone who has supported and contributed to us and our family during this terrible event,” he says.
