Scholarship Set Up in Memory of Owyn McInnis, Varsity Volleyball Player Killed in Kamloops Crash

A scholarship has been established in remembrance of a university volleyball player who tragically died in a multi-vehicle crash in Kamloops, British Columbia last week. The collision involved six cars near Thompson Rivers University and resulted in seven people being sent to the hospital, including three members of the men’s volleyball team. Sadly, one of the young athletes passed away in the hospital, while two others sustained life-altering injuries.

The student who lost his life has been identified as Owyn McInnis, a 22-year-old outside hitter originally from Guelph, Ontario. The TRU Wolfpack’s website pays tribute to him, stating that he was not only a talented athlete but also a beloved son, brother, fiancé, and teammate.

To honor Owyn’s legacy, two anonymous donors have contributed $20,000 to create the Owyn McInnis Memorial Men’s Volleyball Athletic Award. This scholarship will ensure that his memory lives on. Additionally, an online fundraiser has been set up to help cover the funeral costs for McInnis’ family.

The devastating crash occurred at the intersection of McGill Road and University Drive around 3 p.m. on November 29th. A Dodge Ram truck struck several small trees before colliding with a Volkswagen containing the three volleyball players, who were stopped at a red light. The impact caused secondary crashes involving four other vehicles.

The two critically injured athletes, both from Kelowna, have also been identified through online fundraisers. Owen Waterhouse remains in a medically induced coma in a Kamloops hospital ICU, suffering from severe brain trauma. Riley Brinnen, a psychology student, was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital with a severe spinal injury. He underwent surgery and is currently in the spinal ICU, with plans for an extended stay at the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre.

Fundraisers for both Waterhouse and Brinnen have received overwhelming support, with donations totaling over $110,000 and $93,000 respectively. Police are urging anyone with dashcam footage or information about the crash to contact the Kamloops RCMP detachment.

The loss of Owyn McInnis and the devastating injuries suffered by his teammates have deeply affected the community. The scholarship and fundraisers serve as a way to honor their resilience and support their families during this difficult time.