Thompson Rivers University is offering mental health supports and academic accommodations to students after Wednesday’s car crash that killed a student athlete and critically injured two others.
Athletics Director Curtis Atkinson tells Radio NL university staff were aware of a serious crash across the street from campus, but it wasn’t until about an hour-and-a-half later – when he got a text during a meeting – that suggested three members of the WolfPack volleyball team were involved.
“Our coach was obviously made aware and was quick to the hospital with a few of the athletes and a couple of other staff members that met them at the hospital and certainly our worst fears were confirmed,” Atkinson told Radio NL.
“Our hope was that it would be – you know – to see three patients there but…we learned at the hospital that one didn’t make it.”
Atkinson says TRU staff have met with all of its sports teams to outline what supports are available. He says with exams approaching, academic accommodations may be made for anyone who needs it.
While there is no update on the condition of the other two student-athletes, they were all transported to Royal Inland Hospital in critical condition with what has been described as “life-altering” injuries.
“The priority was meeting with the men’s volleyball team and the women’s volleyball team where there’s a lot of obviously deep connections and personal relationships and making sure those meetings counselling support through the University [was made] available at them,” Atkinson said.
“Then today was meeting with the remaining WolfPack teams and staff again with counselling services and student case managers available in those meetings.”
The Kamloops RCMP Municipal Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate the crash, which happened around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
“Our hearts are broken for the victims and their families involved in this terrible tragedy,” said Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley.
“The three young adults in the Volkswagen were all members of the community in their 20s, and the loss is sure to have far reaching impacts as we struggle to understand what happened and advance the active investigation as a priority.”
All WolfPack games have been postponed until further notice.
The volleyball teams were set to host the Trinity Western Spartans this Friday and Saturday while the basketball teams were set to face the University of Victoria on the road.
People who witnessed the crash or have information or video of it are being told contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2023-42279.
