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Squamish in mourning after tragic Highway 99 crash

Town rallies to support families of teens involved in fatal collision.

In death, as in his life, Squamish’s 17-year-old Alex Reyes has affected many. 

The beloved young local died in a crash on Highway 99 on June 28. 

Two other young men in the vehicle were injured. 

The fatal crash shook many in town, who swiftly rallied around the families. 

A memorial for Reyes that includes flowers, teddy bears, basketballs — his Howe Sound Number 2 jersey — and photos continues to grow at the entrance to Howe Sound Secondary, where he attended high school.

Within days, an online GoFundMe campaign for Reyes’ family has almost reached $80,000. 

A GoFundMe for Dylan Good, who underwent back surgery after the crash, has also been set up. 

(A public page for the third youth has not been set up, thus we are not naming him.) 

Many of the flood of tributes online about the late Reyes mention his contagious smile and positive energy.

“Alex was a charming young man whose smile could light up a room,” his Howe Sound Secondary principal Nick Pascuzzi told The Chief.

“He was a passionate and loyal friend and made those around him feel valued and cared for. He was a talented athlete, and his love of sports was obvious to all those that had the opportunity to play on the soccer field or basketball court alongside him. He was an important member of our school community and he will be deeply missed by his friends, his classmates, and the HSS staff.”

The death and impact of the crash reached the District level as well. 

“The District of Squamish shares in the shock and sadness of the community as we grieve the tragic loss of a member of our local youth on June 28,” the muni said in a statement to The Chief. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends, and we offer our deepest condolences for a young life taken much too soon. It is deeply heartwarming to see the incredible level of support our Squamish community is extending to those impacted through donations and messages of condolences.” 

For anyone affected by this tragic event and in need of help, support is being provided by Squamish School District 48 and Squamish RCMP Victim Services at contacting 604.892.6153.

Rachel Ray Krumme is a local who has helped rally support with meal trains for all three families impacted by the crash. She told The Chief the support shows the best of the town.

“As a mom, a member of the community, and a human being in general, my heart is gutted for these families as I know these feelings all too well,” she said, referencing the sudden death of her husband’s twin brother two years ago that turned her family upside down. “I’m happy to serve them where I can. When you see a need, you fill a need. That’s what community is.”