The Shawnigan Lake and Cowichan Valley communities are grieving the loss of 12-year-old Xavier Rasul-Jankovics, a young hockey player who was struck and killed by a speeding car earlier this week.
Xavier, who played for the Kerry Park Minor Hockey Association, was inline skating with his family Monday evening when a northbound Honda Civic struck him on Hillbank Road.
Police say the driver of the vehicle lost control before it struck the boy and crashed into a telephone pole. The 17-year-old driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries.
RCMP confirm speed was a factor in the crash; alcohol is not suspected.
Remembered as “Always an Islander”
The Kerry Park Minor Hockey Association described Xavier as a dedicated player who wore number 11 with pride. In a message to families, the association stated his memory will live on in the rink and in the community.
“Xavier’s family supports our programming continuing this week. We encourage our families to visit the rink if that brings you comfort, gather with teammates and friends, talk to others, put a stick out in memory, use the hashtag #11KP for his favorite number, and reach out if you’re struggling,” the statement read.
“Our community has suffered a huge loss and we will rely on each other to get through it while we support the family. Always an Islander! #11KP”
Hockey sticks have since been placed outside homes and arenas across the region in solidarity.
Foundation set up in his name
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe was launched to support the Rasul-Jankovics family and create the Xavier Rasul-Jankovics Foundation.
Close family friend Rory, who started the fundraiser, said the effort will ensure Xavier’s positive spirit continues to make an impact.
“We lost a wise, wonderful soul who lit the lights of his family, friends, and an extended community—all of whom are grieving an enormous loss,” Rory wrote.
“We start this fund because Xavier made an important impact in this world, and we would like to focus any donation you may have to start a movement.”
The foundation will support community programs that reflect Xavier’s kindness, aiming to help prevent other families from facing similar tragedies.
As of this publication, $25,660 of the $50K goal has been raised.
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Xavier is being remembered not only as a promising young hockey player but also as a boy whose joy, energy, and kindness touched everyone he met.
His teammates, friends, and family say his memory will live on through the game he loved, the community he inspired, and the foundation created in his honour.
Police continue to investigate the crash and ask anyone with information to contact the Shawnigan Lake RCMP at 250-743-5514.
