Friends rally support for family of Kelowna toddler fatally struck by car

A Kelowna family is grieving the loss of their little boy, who was fatally hit by a car near his home this weekend and friends are trying to rally support. 

Just after 2:45 p.m. April 19 the one-and-a-half year old was struck by a car in the 500 block of McCurdy Road, according to Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy, of the Kelowna RCMP in a press release.

The child, who was identified online as Gaige Banman, died at the scene.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the Banman family, to raise money for them during this devastating time.

"This money will go towards funeral expenses, food and other household costs to help get them through this and allow them to focus on remembering their little boy, and taking care of their family."

"If you cannot donate, we ask that you keep Gaige and his family in your prayers and to please share this page," reads the GoFundMe, with a picture of Gaige and his father, Mark Banman.

The GoFundMe has almost reached the $7,500 goal. To donate go to the 'Raising money for Gaige Banman’s family' GoFundMe page here.

It's unclear what the circumstances of the fatal crash involve, but the B.C. Coroners Service has been notified and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the child’s sudden death.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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Kathy Michaels

Kathy Michaels has been an Okanagan-based journalist for more than a decade, working for community papers along the valley and beyond.
She’s won provincial and national awards in business, news and feature writing and says that her love for telling a good story rivals only her fondness for turning a good phrase.
If you have a story that deserves to be told in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, don’t hesitate to reach out.
To reach Kathy call 250-718-0428 or email kmichaels@infonews.ca.

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