Two people were killed in what police are calling a “tragic accident” after a tree fell on a house in the Horseshoe Bay area of West Vancouver early Sunday (Jan. 2) morning.
Officers were called to the 6200 Block of Wellington Avenue at approximately 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning after receiving reports of a large tree falling on a house, according to a release from West Vancouver Police. Emergency crews confirmed the deaths of two inhabitants of the house, a man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s.
“This appears to be a tragic accident,” stated Const. Kevin Goodmurphy in the release. “We are supporting the British Columbia Coroners Service as they conduct their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the loss of life. … Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, winds were recorded gusting up to 98 kilometres per hour at West Vancouver's Point Atkinson weather station that night.
Friends and colleagues have identified the couple as Mike and Caroline Sharp. Mike served as president of the West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association until 2015. The group posted a tribute to him on Sunday.
West Vancouver spokeswoman Donna Powers said municipal staff are now assisting with the coroner’s investigation.
“We’ve had all of our crews on the site there,” she said. “Depending on what that outcome is, there could be further actions but it’s too early to say.”
Mayor Mary-Ann Booth, who knew the victims, issued a statement on Monday, paying tribute to the Sharps.
“This terrible accident has taken two valued community members away from us. It is such a shock to us all. I first met Michael a decade ago when he was president of the WV Minor Hockey Association. He was advocating for earlier ice times for his teenage players, and he was effective, smart and caring,” she said. “Michael and Caroline will be deeply missed. On behalf of council, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to their son, their family, their friends, and their hockey community.”
Tragic news in our hockey community today. Former WVMHA President Mike Sharp and his wife Caroline died last night as a large tree fell on their house in Horseshoe Bay. We are in shock. Mike was a selfless leader and a true gentleman. #RIP @PCAHAMain @BCHockey_Source pic.twitter.com/uYb3S2YJbT
— West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association (@WestVanHockey) January 3, 2022
