Fundraiser launched to support Alberta family involved in deadly B.C. crash

A fundraiser has been launched to help support a family from Okotoks, Alta., that lost a father and a child in a highway crash while they were on a road trip in B.C.

“On Sunday, Feb. 23, our beloved friend Mike, and his precious sons, were in a tragic accident on their way home,” reads a post on the GoFundMe page set up to help the family.

According to the post, Mike Cochlin had already died when police arrived at the scene, on Highway 5A near Stump Lake, about 40 kilometres south of Kamloops.

“We want to surround Erin (Cochlin) at this time with all our love and support.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We want to surround Erin (Cochlin) at this time with all our love and support."

The person organizing the fundraiser told Global News that Liam was eight years old and Quinn is five years old. The organizer also said she wants any money raised to be used for “immediate and long-term help” for Erin Cochlin. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser had already raised over $30,000.

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While Quinn’s medical condition has not been updated by police, the GoFundMe post said Wednesday that he “will be donating his heart, liver and kidneys tonight. He is a hero.”

“The family appreciates, and is thankful for, all of the love and offers of support,” the post reads.

“In the near future there will be a time to celebrate the lives of Mike, Liam and Quinn.”

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Police have said Mike Cochlin was 47 years old. They said the crash, which happened at about 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, appears to have occurred when the family’s car went over a concrete barrier and down a steep embankment after missing a curve in the highway.

READ MORE: Alberta man, child killed in Highway 5A crash near Kamloops, B.C.

“It appears the road conditions were favourable, the road appeared to be bare and it was clear, it was dusk but still somewhat light outside, and it was a fairly steep curve though, that the vehicle had to maneuver around,” Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jodi Shelkie said earlier this week.

–With files from Global News’ Simon Little