Image: GoFundMe via Neil Marshall / The former co-owner of Jim's Pizza in Chilliwack, Norm Melanson (pictured) is reportedly on a breathing ventilator at Royal Columbian Hospital after suffering a cardiac event that led to a horrific vehicle crash and subsequent rollover on Yale Road around noon on Easter Sunday (Mar. 31).

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Victim of car accident

Former owner of Jim’s Pizza in Chilliwack fighting for his life after Yale Road rollover on Easter Sunday

Apr 4, 2024 | 6:56 PM

Reader’s note: Fraser Valley Today has permission to write about this heartbreaking situation, as the victim’s son-in-law, Neil Marshall, reached out to Fraser Valley Today Thursday, April 4 and kindly asked to help spread the word about a GoFundMe started to assist the family.

CHILLIWACK — The former co-owner of Jim’s Pizza in Chilliwack is reportedly on a ventilator at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster after suffering a cardiac event that led to a horrific vehicle crash and subsequent rollover on Yale Road around noon on Easter Sunday (Mar. 31).

Neil Marshall says Norm and Diane Melanson served up “slices of kindness” and delicious pizza at Jim’s Pizza for over a decade and a half, lending support to individuals and organizations in need for over 16 years through their involvement in countless community initiatives. Marshall is Norm and Diane’s son-in-law.

The couple sold the Jim’s Pizza business in June 2023 and were supposed to be enjoying a well deserved retirement until tragedy struck on Easter Sunday. According to Marshall, Norm suffered a cardiac event while driving with Diane in the car. The vehicle they were traveling in jumped a curb, hit a pole and flipped over several times, and wound up on Yale Road near the overpass leading to downtown Chilliwack. A Good Samaritan came to the aid of Diane and released her seat belt, allowing her to exit the vehicle with only minor injuries.

Image: Submitted / The rollover that happened on Yale Road hospitalized Norm Melanson. He remains in hospital.

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Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener says speed and impairment are not considered factors in the rollover accident.

Norm’s condition, however, remains critical, Marshall says.

“He has yet to regain consciousness since the incident,” Marshall said in a GoFundMe appeal. “It was only through the prompt response of paramedics that Norm’s heart started beating again after being without a pulse for over 20 minutes. He’s now fighting for his life at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, with Diane and their three daughters steadfastly by his side. With multiple surgeries in his future to repair a fractured spine and to install an internal defibrillator amongst other procedures, there is a long road of healing ahead.”

Marshall has initiated a GoFundMe to assist the family with the realization that financial burdens associated with accommodation, food, travel and lost wages weigh heavily on the Melanson family.

“Hotel costs alone could amount to $6,000 a month, adding to their already mounting expenses,” Marshall wrote in his GoFundMe appeal. “Your generosity could make an immense difference, helping to alleviate some of the financial strain and allowing the Melanson family to focus on what truly matters – Norm’s recovery. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will be deeply appreciated and will go directly towards supporting this beloved family in their time of need. Let’s come together as a community to rally behind Norm, Diane, and their daughters during this difficult period. Thank you for your kindness and support.”