GoFundMe launched for family of four-year-old Horseshoe Bay bus crash victim
A GoFundMe has been launched in memory of a four-year-old boy who was killed in a tragic bus accident in Horseshoe Bay last week, and his mother, who remains in critical condition.
The owners of AJ’s Brooklyn Pizza Joint, Theresa Morrison and AJ Caridi, created the fundraiser in support of their colleague, Clineu, the father of young Leonardo and husband to Silvana.
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“It is with great sadness we share that our dear friend and colleague, Clineu, has suffered an unimaginable tragedy. His beloved son, Leonardo, was tragically killed on Wednesday, May 28, in the devastating bus accident at Horseshoe Bay, and his wife, Silvana, remains in the ICU with life-threatening injuries,” wrote Morrison in the GoFundMe’s description.
“Their lives, along with others whom we pray for, have been changed forever.”
Morrison provided more information about the family, noting that Clineu and Silvana are originally from Brazil and have called Vancouver home for many years.
“As older parents, Silvana and Leonardo’s father had a very small chance of welcoming a child, and as his father said, they were blessed with their ‘1 per cent miracle baby’ in late 2020,” reads the page.
“Silvana wanted nothing more in life than to be a mother, and she was an incredible one. She and Leo were inseparable.”
Clineu and Silvana with their son Leonardo. (GoFundMe)
Morrison added that on the day of the accident, Silvana and Leonardo had taken a day trip to explore Bowen Island.
“They had a wonderful day, sharing pictures with Leonardo’s father throughout,” she said.
The money raised will help Clineu with funeral costs for Leonardo. It will also go towards Silvana’s care and rehabilitation.
“Silvana’s path ahead is long and uncertain. Beyond the physical trauma, there will be the overwhelming emotional toll of losing her only child,” said Morrison.
Last week, the West Vancouver Police Department said it is working closely with the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) and the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) branch in its investigation.
Police added that while the investigation is in its early stages, preliminary findings suggest that speed was not a factor.
At the time of publication, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $79,000.
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