Candlelight vigil for 3-year-old boy draws hundreds to Chilliwack crash site

Crowds gathered to mourn the loss of a three-year-old boy who was struck and killed in a crash in Chilliwack, B.C.

Crowds gathered in their hundreds for a candlelight vigil in Chilliwack, B.C., Friday night to commemorate the life of a three-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a vehicle earlier this week.

Chilliwack’s Central Community Church invited the community to collectively grieve at the site of the tragic accident, the intersection of Vedder Road and Petawawa Road, from 8 p.m.

“We invite you to come, bring a candle, and gather as a sign of solidarity with the family, a deep desire to grieve with those who grieve, love and lift them up, and hold them up in prayer,” the church said in a statement issued to its social media on Thursday.

“This is a space for us to come together as a community and offer a prayer and a symbol of love.”

According to the Chilliwack RCMP the collision took place around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. The young boy had been a pedestrian. The driver, who remained on scene, is co-operating with the investigation, police said.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene and provided immediate medical assistance, however the child succumbed to their injuries, said police.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the child’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time,” said Insp. Harinder Kheleh, in the release issued Wednesday.

“This is a heartbreaking incident that affects the entire community.”