Video: Police have officially identified the victims of the bus crash in Ottawa on Wednesday. Global National’s Jen Tryon has their stories.
OTTAWA – Ottawa Police have officially identified all six victims of Wednesday’s horrific bus crash, and their families have expressed both devastating loss and gratefulness for community support.
Among the deceased are Carleton University students Connor Boyd and Kyle Nash, both 21, 35-year-old Rob More, 53-year-old Karen Krzyzewski, 57-year-old Michael Bleakney and 46-year-old bus driver Dave Woodard.
Rob More, one of the victims of the Ottawa bus crash Sept. 18, 2013. (Handout)
Michael Bleakney, one of the victims of the Ottawa bus crash Sept. 18, 2013. (Handout)“Our thoughts are with the victims, their friends and families,” Ottawa Police said in a statement.
With the families’ permission, Ottawa Police released photos of the victims, and family statements from Nash, Boyd and Krzyzewski.
“The family of Kyle Nash are devastated by his tragic and premature death. He was deeply loved. They thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy to grieve at this time,” said the full statement from the Nash family.
Kyle Nash, one of the victims of the Ottawa bus crash Sept. 18, 2013. (Handout)Carleton University issued a statement saying flags would remain at the half-staff position at the school, and that a memorial service would be planned. University spokesperson Beth Gorham said Nash was in the Business Information Technology course, and Boyd studied English.
“On behalf of the students, faculty, staff and alumni of Carleton University, I wish to offer our deepest sympathies to the families of Carleton students Connor Boyd and Kyle Nash to all of their friends and classmates,” wrote President and Vice-Chancellor Roseann O’Reilly Runte.
The Boyd family also issued a statement through police, saying they were devastated, but proud of who he was.
Connor Boyd, one of the victims of the Ottawa bus crash Sept. 18, 2013. (Handout)“He was on his way to university, a place he loved. We are comforted to know he knew we loved him and we were proud of him.”
The statement from Carleton encouraged those affected to use the Health and Counselling Services at the Carleton Technology and Training Centre or call 613-520-6674, and provided a website where free counselling could be booked for faculty and staff.
A manager at a Barrhaven comic book store, located not far from the crash site, said Nash and Boyd frequented the store together.
“I know that they have come in most recently because obviously they’re back in school,” said Joey Hoffer, manager at Wizard’s Tower Comic Book Store on Fallowfield Rd.
Hoffer said the owner, Dave Tellier, knew the young men well. The store’s Facebook page posted they were “men of great kindness, patience and humility.”
The comic store announced it will be turning a Sept. 22 Theros card game pre-release into a fundraising event, which will donate all proceeds to the families of the two 21-year-old victims.
The family of Krzyzewski called her a “gentle spirit who was caring and compassionate to others” and “loved life to the fullest.” A mother of two adult children, Krzyzewski is survived by her parents, a brother and two sisters.
“She will be mourned by family and many friends…We also thank the community for all their love and support at this difficult time.”
Read more: Friends remember artsy, “gentle spirit” Karen Krzyzewski who died in Ottawa bus crash
Woodard’s wife, Terry, said her husband and father of their three children did not have any pre-existing medical conditions and received annual medical check-ups ensuring he was in good health.
Craig Watson, president of the amalgamated transit union local 279, said Woodard was also known as Brian, and had been with OC Transpo for just under ten years. Watson called him “a great guy, liked by all of his colleagues.”
Read more: Terry expresses her deep condolences to the families of the victims of the crash
Video: Woodard’s co-worker shares his memories
More than 30 people were rushed to hospital on Wednesday, including 11 who were initially listed in critical condition.
Seventeen patients were transported to Montfort Hospital, and all had been discharged by 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Four patients were taken to Queensway-Carleton Hospital by ambulance, one of whom was discharged yesterday. There were also five walk-in patients who were also discharged.
Three patients remain at Queensway, and all had undergone surgery for broken bones as of Thursday afternoon.
Of 11 patients who were transported to the Ottawa Hospital, one remains at the Civic Campus on Thursday in critical but stable condition.
The crash happened just east of Fallowfield train station near Woodroffe Ave., in the Ottawa suburb of Barrhaven at 8:48 a.m. Wednesday. Just 12 hours later, dozens of people gathered on the tracks near the crash site for a candlelight vigil.
Video: A candlelight vigil was held at the scene of the Ottawa bus crash
With files from Nick Logan and Laura Stone
Comments