Thompson Rivers University has created a new athletic award in memory of the WolfPack player killed in a collision near the school last week.
Erin Walters identified her son, Owyn McInnis, as the young man killed in last week’s vehicle accident at the intersection of McGill Road and University Drive. McInnis, a fourth-year student, was an outside hitter for the men’s volleyball team.
“Yesterday became a parent’s worst nightmare,” Walters wrote on her Instagram, which has since been made private.
The accident occurred around 3 p.m. on Nov. 29, when the driver of a Dodge Ram pickup truck lost control of his vehicle, colliding with several small trees before striking the Volkswagen that McInnis and two other WolfPack players occupied, according to a statement by Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley.
On Saturday, the WolfPack announced the formation of the Owyn McInnis Memorial Men’s Volleyball Athletic Award, a new scholarship which will celebrate the life and legacy of McInnis.
“Owyn was a son, brother, fiancé, teammate and so much more. He brightened the day of anyone lucky enough to talk with him and we miss him greatly,” said the WolfPack on social media.
“With the help of two anonymous donors, and their initial $20,000 contribution, Owyn’s legacy will live on through the Owyn McInnis Memorial Men’s Volleyball Athletic Award. As a way of honouring Owyn’s memory, and at his family’s wishes, please consider donating to the scholarship fund through: tru.ca/owyn,” the post states before concluding, “Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the past few days. At a time of heartache, your love and support has been felt.”
Following the accident, TRU has postponed all WolfPack games until further notice.
According to the family, information on McInnis’ funeral in his hometown of Guelph, Ont., will be provided in the coming days. In the meantime, a roadside memorial has been constructed across the street from the East Gate entrance to honour the victims of the accident.