A crowdfunding campaign to help the Tri-Cities family of a three-year-old boy who recently died continues to grow.
Kash Bakker was killed by a falling tree last Saturday (July 29) while his family was at a campsite at Okanagan Lake Provincial Park, located 12 km south of Peachland.
In a statement, BC Parks confirmed the young victim succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at hospital.
It's not known what caused the tree to come down, Kelowna RCMP confirmed to the Tri-City News there was no criminal involvement.
"Our friends, Keith and Skye Bakker, suffered the most unimaginable tragedy in losing their youngest son, Kash Bakker," said Ruveen and Steve Stogryn, organizers of a GoFundMe campaign set up to help the family pay for funeral costs.
It's since garnered nearly $32,000 in four days and appears to be well on the way to reaching its $50,000 goal.
Donors on the fundraising page called Kash "sweet" and "charismatic."
"Heartbreaking, devastating news," added Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West on social media about the incident.
"I'm incredibly saddened to learn the family is from Port Coquitlam. Our hearts go out to them."
"On behalf of the ministry and all BC Parks staff, I send my deepest condolences to the child's family and friends," said George Heyman, B.C.'s environment and climate change strategy minister, in a separate statement.
"Our hearts are with you at this difficult time."
If you wish to contribute to the Bakker family, you can visit the GoFundMe page.
- with files from The Canadian Press
