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
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.