Cyclist killed in collision was Parkinson’s fundraiser
Staff at the Parkinson Society of B.C. are in shock after learning the 33-year-old cyclist killed Sunday during a ride in Richmond was part of a club that raised money for the charity.
“These guys are an incredible boost to the society. They do an annual fundraiser and cycle together in between. It is just devastating news,” said Jean Blake, chief executive of the Parkinson society.
Six cyclists belonging to the Just Giver 4PD Cycling Club were out on a ride Sunday at 10 a.m. in the 23000-block River Road when they were hit by a 2013 Lexus travelling west. One cyclist died at the scene and two others were seriously hurt.
Kelly Jablonski, president of the Just Giver 4PD Cycling Club, confirmed Monday the man who died was fellow club member Brad Dean.
He said Dean is survived by his wife, Adele, a brother and his mother and father.
“It’s a tragic loss for the cycling community and his wife,” said Joblonski.
“He was one of those guys, with anything he did, he was committed to being the best he could. It’s a huge loss. He was a close friend.”
Jablonski said that Dean, a lifetime member of the Just Giver 4PD Cycling Club, was riding with friends and clubmates from Gastown Cycling, of which he was also a member, when he died.
Jablonski posted on Facebook that “I have had the privilege to call Brad my friend for a short but brilliant five years. The passion for cycling is what brought Brad into my life as he joined our cycling club. I quickly took him under my wing and through the last five years spent so much time enjoying cycling, training, rac- ing and all the fun stuff that goes along with it including various road trips.
“The highlight was getting to share a trip to Santa Barbara together in 2015, that was five days I will never forget. Seeing Brad win his first race and the excitement of his first podium, will be unforgettable ... I will always be grateful of our time together.”
The Facebook post asked cyclists to respect the legal process regarding the accident.
“Please let the police and RCMP deal with how, what and why this tragic accident occurred as in the end that is what it is: a tragic accident. Please also wish the two others involved and their families all the care they need in this trying time.”
Just Giver 4PD Cycling Club started in 2006 when a bike trip to the Okanagan turned into a fundraiser for Parkinson’s disease. In June, the group held a ride to the 4 Peaks of SFU, Seymour, Grouse and Cypress and raised $17,000 for the PSBC. Since its inception, Just Giver 4PD has raised more than $280,000 for Parkinson’s disease.
“They have been a fabulous group,” Blake said. “It’s incredibly sad.”
The B.C. Coroner is investigating the death.
He was one of those guys, with anything he did, he was committed to being the best he could. It’s a huge loss.