Ravil Gabbassov dies in fatal Coquihalla Highway collision
Fatal Coquihalla Highway crash claims the life of Ravil Gabbassov – Obituary
A tragic head-on collision on the Coquihalla Highway Monday morning claimed the life of Ravil Gabbassov, a father from Metro Vancouver.
Ravil and his son Timur were returning home from a hockey tournament in Kelowna when the incident occurred, according to a Facebook post by the New Westminster Minor Hockey Association.
On the day of the accident, Environment Canada had issued warnings about blizzard-like conditions and heavy snowfall, creating hazardous driving conditions. Approximately 41 kilometers south of Merritt, Ravil’s Ford F-150 veered across the center line and collided with a semi-truck and trailer, authorities reported.
Ravil was declared dead at the scene, while his son Timur was airlifted to a hospital with minor injuries, the hockey association confirmed.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the grieving family, noting that the New Westminster U15A1 team had won gold at the Kelowna tournament, with Timur scoring a crucial goal to tie the final game.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Gabbassov family. In this difficult time, our hockey community stands united,” read the fundraiser’s description.
On Tuesday night, the team decided to continue playing, honoring Ravil’s commitment to the sport. The New Westminster Minor Hockey Association urged the “New Westminster Royals family” to show their support by attending the upcoming match against Semiahmoo in South Surrey.
“Please wear your New Westminster jerseys to demonstrate love, strength, and unity,” the NWMHA statement concluded.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Authorities have requested that anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage contact the Merritt RCMP detachment at 250-378-4262.
Fatal Coquihalla Highway crash claims the life of Ravil Gabbassov – Obituary A tragic head-on collision on the Coquihalla Highway Monday morning claimed the life of Ravil Gabbassov, a father from Metro Vancouver. Ravil and his son Timur were returning home from a hockey tournament in Kelowna when the incident occurred, according to a Facebook…
Fatal Coquihalla Highway crash claims the life of Ravil Gabbassov – Obituary A tragic head-on collision on the Coquihalla Highway Monday morning claimed the life of Ravil Gabbassov, a father from Metro Vancouver. Ravil and his son Timur were returning home from a hockey tournament in Kelowna when the incident occurred, according to a Facebook…