Family of Squamish hit-and-run victims are ‘grateful’ for community support

The sister of one of the victims in a tragic hit-and-run incident says that they are grateful for the support they have been receiving from the community.

Squamish’s Kevin Gulbranson and Dayae Choi were struck by a car as they unloaded their belongings outside of their accommodation in San Diego, Calif. at the start of their vacation on April 7.

A Go Fund Me page was created for the couple and it has already raised more than $100,000 in the three days since it was posted.

According to Kevin’s sister, Allison Gulbranson, Kevin continues to be monitored in the ICU in a medically-induced coma. At the same time, Choi received a third surgery on her injured leg on April 11.

“So far, her surgeries have been going well and she's doing OK,” Allison said of Choi. “She's quite emotional and stressed, obviously, and worried as well. But she's doing pretty good, and she's really appreciative of everybody who's reached out.”

Allison said she and her younger brother are still in B.C., while her parents are with Kevin and Choi in San Diego.

At this time, Allison said it is still too early to tell about Kevin’s outlook, but they are staying hopeful.

“He's a young guy, he's very athletic, he's strong,” she said. “He's got a very positive outlook on life, and we're hoping that all those things are going to help him pull through this, but we don't really know much at this point.”

Allison said the support coming in from the Go Fund Me has been amazing and touching for her and the family.

“We're just so grateful and so appreciative of everything that people have done financially and also in terms of just offering support and prayers,” she said.

The police have been in contact with the family since the hit-and-run incident, said Allison, but the police have only given out a description of the vehicle involved at this time to the public.

When asked if there was anything that she wanted to tell the Squamish or Lower Mainland community, Allison reiterated how grateful they were for everyone’s support throughout this tough time.

“It just shows how much Kevin and Dayae are cared for by the community, so it really, really means a lot to us,” she said.