Family still trying to pay for burial costs two months after cyclist killed on Windsor street
The family of Ken McEldowney has organized a fundraiser for this Sunday to help pay for a headstone and burial fees.
“He didn't have life insurance,” said step-daughter Crystal Miotto. “We don't really have the funds ourselves to continue paying so much out of pocket.”
McEldowney was struck by a vehicle on Wyandotte Street West near Caron Avenue just before midnight on Friday, March 25. The 58-year-old died the next day in hospital.
His family members told CTV News Friday, McEldowney had previously been hit by vehicles while riding his bike around Windsor. They assumed he could survive his injuries this time, but they said hospital personnel told them the injuries were unsurvivable.
“If you needed anything, you call him (McEldowney) and he would come and help,” said one of McEldowney’s nieces. “My little one always says ‘Mommy, I miss Uncle Kenny, I miss Uncle Kenny.’ That breaks my heart.”
The family said the community response to an online fundraiser, organized in the days after McEldowney’s death, was “heart-warming.”
The community raised $6,000 for the funeral expenses, but now the family is trying to come up with the $3,400 to pay for his burial and a headstone.
The event is Sunday, May 22 between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. at The Moose Lodge at 777 Tecumseh Road West in Windsor.
Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 for kids under age 13. Kids under five are free.
The family plans to have more than 30 raffle prizes.
Two of them, a bike and a scooter, were donated by Bike Windsor-Essex.
“It was awful to hear about this tragedy,” said executive director Lori Newton. “You just feel for the family. You feel for the individual who's lost their (life). That shouldn't be happening on our streets.”
Police have charged Kelsey Barkovsky, 28, in connection with McEldowney’s death.
Her charges include impaired driving causing death and leaving the scene of an accident.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Celebrations, protests take place on Canada Day in Ottawa
Thousands of people wearing red and white and waiving Canadian flags packed downtown Ottawa to celebrate Canada's 155th birthday on Friday, while groups of protesters popped up around Parliament Hill to protest COVID-19 vaccines and federal restrictions.

'It's recent': Survivor reflects on last Sask. residential school closing 25 years ago
It's been 25 years since Saskatchewan's last residential school closed, but some are still healing.
Biden intends to nominate a conservative, anti-abortion lawyer to federal judgeship, Kentucky Democrats say
U.S. President Joe Biden intends to nominate an anti-abortion Republican lawyer to a federal judgeship, two Kentucky Democrats informed of the decision say.
'Summer of recovery': Pandemic-stricken tourism industry sees signs of optimism
Canada Day has kicked off the unofficial start of summer, and the tourism sector is hopeful the first season in three years largely free of COVID-19 restrictions will marshal a much-needed boost for a pandemic-stricken industry.
'You do not want this' virus: California man with monkeypox urges others to get vaccinated
A California man has posted a widely-shared video in an attempt to educate people about the monkeypox virus outbreak, to encourage people to get vaccinated if they're eligible and to make it very clear: 'You do not want this.'
West Vancouver retiree heading back to Ukraine to help abandoned animals
When Dan Fine returned from his first trip volunteering at animal shelters on the Polish-Ukrainian border in late April, he immediately felt compelled to return to continue helping pets that have been left behind in the war.
'We have to build bridges': Canadian singer Chantal Kreviazuk on Ukraine, reconciliation
Moving toward reconciliation doesn't come from jumping 'the queue to perfection,' but by building bridges and trusting one another, Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk told CTV News Channel during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa on Friday.
The Canadian flag in the context of 'Freedom Convoy' and residential schools
In the wake of last year’s discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools and the prominent displays of the Canadian flag during 'Freedom Convoy' protests, some Canadians are re-evaluating the meaning of the national symbol.
'Not going to happen in our lifetime': First-time homebuyers share their struggles with purchasing a home
A recent survey shows nearly 50 per cent of Canadians who rent expect to do so forever. As rising interest and inflation rates contribute to a sense of pessimism among first-time homebuyers in Canada, some are sharing their struggles with purchasing their first house.