talk in the two weeks since North Vancouver’s Gray Taylor died while kiteboarding in front of Sp’akw’us Feather Park, on Canada Day afternoon.
While there may be different perspectives on what went wrong, there is no debate that this was a tragic accident that took the life of a beloved father, husband, friend and community member.
Though nothing compares to the pain his loved ones are feeling, the death of Taylor has also been traumatic for those who stepped in to try and help him, those who watched the tragedy unfold in real-time, and those who were there that day.
There is also a collective wish now to learn from what happened and hopefully prevent it from happening again.
What all those The Squamish Chief spoke to agreed on, too, is that kiteboarding is not a risk-free sport and that the wind conditions at the time of the incident were challenging, even for veteran local kiters, some of whom said they chose not to go out due to the conditions.
As for what, if anything, can be done, the municipality has launched an investigation into just that.
“In response to last week’s fatal accident, senior District staff are conducting an investigation into the factors that contributed to the accident … in close consultation with the Squamish Windsports Society as subject matter experts,” said District of Squamish director of communications, Christina Moore.
For its part, the developer of the property said it will continue to work with the parties involved regarding the watersports beach at the park, which has been temporarily closed to kiting due to the incident, since July 5.
“Since 2018, Oceanfront Squamish has worked closely with the Squamish Windsports Society and the District of Squamish on Sp’akw’us Feather Park. We are deeply saddened about the tragic accident at the park and offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” said John Matthews, president of Matthews West Developments, in an email to The Squamish Chief.
“We will continue to support Squamish Windsports Society and the District of Squamish as they work together to determine best practices on the windsports beach.”
Asked for its perspective, the Squamish Windsports Society’s vice-president said the organization can’t comment.
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