The Frances Kelsey Secondary community is mourning the loss of Grade 12 student Kieran Harper, who was killed Thursday in a two-vehicle crash on the Trans-Canada Highway.
His mother, Carrie-Ann Harper, told CHEK News Friday at a memorial created at the crash site that her son was “a happy, wonderful boy” with many friends.
She said he loved music and basketball, and had recently been accepted into the University of Toronto’s music program.
News of his death has devastated the community “from here to Duncan,” she said.
A critical-incident team from the Cowichan Valley School District has been at the Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road school since shortly after the incident to support students and staff.
District spokesperson Mike Russell said students had an opportunity at the school on Friday to “write a message or reflect as they process things.”
An online fundraising page for the Harper family has been established at gofundme.com/f/Kieran-Harper.
“His mom, Carrie-Anne, is going through something no parent should ever have to endure,” the page says. “Carrie-Ann has been an active parent volunteer at the school, starting with Bench [elementary school] and continuing through Kelsey, where Kieran was set to graduate in June.
“She is one of the hardest working moms we know. We want her to be able to navigate through this chapter of her life without worrying about the financial strain that she will face while grieving the loss of her only child.”
This is a time for the community to come together, the page said.
“Any financial support, no matter what the amount, will be very helpful.”
One donor wrote that it was a privilege getting to know Kieran. “He had a solid group of friends, an endearing sense of humour, and was just such a good kid all around.”
Another said: “He was such an amazing friend to all, he is so loved by anyone lucky enough to know him. Thank you for everything Kieran.”
Shawnigan Lake RCMP said they received a report about the crash about 9:15 a.m. Thursday.
They said initial evidence from the scene indicates that a Volvo making a left turn onto the highway from Butterfield Road was hit by a southbound truck.
The driver of the truck sustained minor injuries.
Drugs or alcohol are not believed to have been factors in the crash.
The highway was closed while a collision analyst investigated and was reopened just after 1 p.m. Thursday.
The circumstances around the collision remain under investigation, with police still in the process of speaking with witnesses.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Shawnigan Lake RCMP at 250-743-1549.
