Family of pedestrian killed in Vancouver launches fundraiser to bring body home | Daily Hive

'Heartbroken': Family of pedestrian killed in Vancouver launches fundraiser to bring body home

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A fundraiser has been launched to help the family of a pedestrian killed in Vancouver in late September bring his body home.

While authorities have not formally announced the pedestrian’s identity, family and friends have confirmed him to be Jose Francisco Quispe Llancay, a.k.a. “Cisco.”

“With heavy hearts, we are asking for your support following the tragic and unexpected passing of Cisco, RJay’s beloved husband,” said Alexa Vidal on the GoFundMe page, who is organizing on behalf of Roge Jessanee Dela Cruz.

“Cisco was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle in Vancouver. His passing has left RJay, their families, friends, and everyone who knew and loved him heartbroken. Losing someone so suddenly is incredibly difficult, and the family is now faced with the emotional and financial challenges that come with such an unimaginable loss.”

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According to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), the pedestrian fatality occurred at Granville Street and West 52nd Avenue on Monday, Sept. 28, around 1:10 a.m.

“The 27-year-old man was struck crossing the street,” said VPD in a release. “He was treated at the scene and later died in hospital.”

While the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, police are asking for the public’s help in determining what happened during the incident.

“Witnesses and anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage from Granville Street between West 41st Avenue and West 52nd Avenue are asked to contact the Vancouver Police Collision Investigation Unit at 604-717-3012 or by e-mail at vpdciu@vpd.ca.”

Near where the collision took place. (Google Maps)

“Cisco was a bright, gentle, and incredibly caring person,” said Vidal to Daily Hive. “He was a loving husband, son, family member, and friend who meant so much to the people around him.

“The cost of repatriating his remains is substantial, and we are doing what we can to support RJay and his family during this heartbreaking time.”

At the time of reporting, the fundraiser had raised over $10,000 of its $12,000 goal.

According to Vidal, Cisco came to Canada from Lima, Peru, as an international student about five years ago and had started pursuing a career in health care “because caring for and helping others was simply part of who he was.”

Cisco and RJay, who had been married for only eight months, had hoped to visit every province and spend their lives helping others while continuing to support loved ones back home.

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“In fact, they had an upcoming trip to Alberta planned for next week and were looking forward to spending time together and making more memories as a married couple. It is incredibly difficult for RJay and everyone who knew Cisco to think about all the plans they had made that they will now never get to experience together.”

Vidal added that Cisco’s and RJay’s family and friends are grateful for the outpouring of support, and that they hope to connect with City transportation staff to talk about how the intersection of Granville Street and West 52nd Avenue can be made safer for a pedestrian.

“The crossing there is an unmarked crosswalk, and the nearest alternative crossing is approximately a 10-minute walk away,” said the fundraiser organizer. “We believe road design should prioritize the safety and experience of people walking, not simply vehicle speeds and traffic.

“What happened to Cisco is devastating, and we don’t want another family to experience this kind of loss.”