Tai Caverhill is being remembered as a hero following a tragic accident last week that took his life and left another student in critical condition while on a school field trip to Camp Barnard west of Sooke.
Otter Point Fire Rescue, B.C. Ambulance and RCMP members were called to the scene at around 3:30 p.m. June 19, responding to reports of a boy being trapped under a fallen tree near the Jack Brooks Hatchery.
Caverhill was the first to spot the tree falling towards where he and his friends were walking, quickly alerting the group to run away.
RELATED: UPDATE: Victoria teen killed on field trip near Sooke
“Sadly, he saved his friends’ lives but couldn’t save his own,” reads a GoFundMe description set up by the Thai Kids Club of Victoria — where he was one of the first students — to help assist the family in their time of need.
Caverhill was set to start Grade 9 at Oak Bay Secondary School in September. According to the GoFundMe page, his last words to his mother before he left for the Year End Wilderness Camp were, “Take care of Lanna and Daddy for me.”
If you have a connection to someone involved in yesterday's tragedy, or if this has brought up thoughts or memories of something that you're struggling with, please talk to your teacher or principal, or call the District Board office. There are supports and resources available.
— Greater Victoria SD (@sd61schools) June 20, 2019
His sister, Lanna, was born with tuberous sclerosis and underwent brain surgery in 2018. Caverhill recently started working at the Little Thai Place restaurant to earn extra income.
READ ALSO: Falling tree kills B.C. woman during hike
“Tai wanted to take responsibility for his own expenses as he knew that her parents had continuing medical bills and treatment for Lanna,” reads the page.
To honour his ‘kind heart’ half of the donations raised will go to Tuberous Sclerosis Canada to help support children who have gone through similar health issues as his sister.
A statement issued by the Greater Victoria School District remembers Caverhill’s positive outlook and infectious smile.
“[Tai] was the type of student who would kindly greet anyone he passed in the hallway,” said Jordan Watters, chair of the Board of Education. “Tai will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the entire community.”
An update was posted Sunday stating that Caverhill’s mother, Boom, will be closing down her daycare business indefinitely, adding another layer of financial struggles for the family. With the original goal of $10,000, the GoFundMe has currently raised $24,441 in two days.
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