Scholarship launched in memory of Kamloops student who died in car accident | iNFOnews

06 June 2024 – 18:00

The life of a young man in Kamloops ended just weeks before he graduated from Grade 12. His grieving family and community are now establishing a memorial award in his honor.

Jakob Gottfriedson, 18, was driving home from his girlfriend’s house late on May 25 when his car veered off the highway and struck a utility pole. He died at the scene in the 2300 block of the East Trans Canada Highway.

“It was raining heavily and the road conditions were bad that night,” said Jakob’s sister Samara Gottfriedson. “He just wanted to go home so he could see us in the morning before he left to buy a new car. He drove a little faster than he should have, but in the end it was just an accident.”

Samara was awakened early that morning by a commotion as a police officer came to the door to inform the family of the tragedy.

“I heard my grandmother crying and heard the news,” she said. “Then we had to tell our mother.”

Samara said the family is grieving and just trying to get through each day. A memorial service was recently held for Jacob.

“We had a traditional (Native American) service and wake, it was a close family affair and Jacob’s hockey community was invited,” she said.

Jacob enjoyed playing hockey, fishing and hunting, and his favorite food was cheese sausages. Samara said her brother danced to his own tune and everyone he met had something positive to say about him.

“He always made sure everyone was included, he was friends with a diverse group,” she said. “He was vocal, you always knew he was in the room. He also had a silly side, like he would cook at night. I would meet with him at 3 a.m. to make grilled cheese sandwiches.”

“He lived his life in the fast lane, he was never slow in life. Once he learned how to walk, he never stopped and started running at a very young age.”

Jakob attended Valleyview Secondary School and Samara walked the stage at his graduation ceremony in his honor on Wednesday, June 5th.

“I was walking with his best friend and someone came in and played Amazing Grace to the beat of a hand drum. He was very well known in school and his classmates feel a sense of loss at a time when they should be about achieving success in life.”

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Sarah Thomas, a close friend of the family, has helped the family get through this very difficult time.

“Jacob’s warmth and compassion touched the lives of many, and he welcomed people from all walks of life with open arms,” she said in a BC Interior Community Foundation news release.

“His kindness knew no bounds and he was a role model of inclusion, ensuring no one felt overlooked or undervalued. Jacob’s legacy is one of empathy and understanding and leaves an indelible mark on those who were fortunate enough to cross his path.”

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The Community Foundation has established the Jakob Gottfriedson Memorial Award, a scholarship given to a graduating student at Valleyview Secondary to honor Jakob’s legacy and positive impact on his community.

Samara said her family is currently working on the details of the scholarship award, and what the value will be is not yet clear.

“We are thinking about giving the award to Indigenous students who are involved in hockey, because hockey was Jacob’s favorite activity, but nothing is confirmed yet.”

Click here to contribute to the Jakob Gottfriedson Scholarship Fund.

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