Image: Tim Meade, used with permission / The BC Highway Patrol has confirmed that a mother and child died in Tuesday's multi-vehicle collision Tuesday afternoon.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Fatal collision on Highway 1

Update: Mother, son identified in fatal collision Tuesday west of Chilliwack

Aug 7, 2024 | 2:36 PM

CHILLIWACK — The BC Highway Patrol has confirmed that a mother and child died in Tuesday’s multi-vehicle collision on Highway 1 west of Chilliwack.

According to a statement from police, BC Highway Patrol says a second child from the same vehicle is expected to survive after being taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police were called to the area of Vedder Canal at about 2:50 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 6).

A GoFundMe has been launched to assist the surviving family members of a mom and son with funeral costs and recovery expenses. According to the text of an online appeal, a 40-year-old mom, Layna Brown, and her 8-year-old son, Dominic Dyck, died instantly in Tuesday’s crash on Highway 1 west of Chilliwack. Tristan, Dominic’s twin brother, is currently in ICU in Vancouver. Layna’s dad, a retired paramedic, and her mom, sister and partner Cory are hoping and praying Tristan makes a full recovery, though the GoFundMe states this recovery process could take some time and help. “This tragedy was obviously unexpected, and I’m hoping anyone who sees this has it in their heart to donate to Layna’s family to help with funeral costs and aid in Tristan’s recovery.

Image: GoFundMe via Dirrae Young / Two of the victims of Tuesday’s fatal crash on Highway 1 west of Chilliwack are 40-year-old Layna, and her 8-year-old son Dominic; the twin brother Tristan is in ICU in Vancouver. The GoFundMe petition did not identify which of the boys in the above picture is Dominic or Tristan.

Layna reportedly worked as a server at a Maple Ridge restaurant, Big Feast Bistro, which is closed until further notice due to the tragic loss of one of their own. Big Feast Bistro wrote the following at 2:09 p.m. Wednesday: “Our Big Feast team received some horrific news early today as we lost one of our own in that terrible crash yesterday. I don’t (know) what to say other than our hearts are heavy and we are closed until further notice to allow the team to grieve. We will miss you Layna!”

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The Ridge Meadows Hockey Association says it is devastated by the tragic loss of two of its members, Layna Brown and her son, U9 athlete Dominic Dyck. “Layna was an invaluable volunteer who dedicated countless hours to our hockey community. Our hearts ache for the Dyck family as they endure this unimaginable pain. Tristan, our entire hockey family is sending you strength and love as you fight. You are not alone.”

The crash in Chilliwack involved six vehicles and 10 drivers and passengers, but Mounties say there were no other injuries.

Police say initial information suggests that one or more of the vehicles stopped abruptly due to an “obstruction” on the highway.

Image: Tim Meade, used with permission / First responders surround the crash scene Tuesday afternoon along Hwy. 1 west of Chilliwack. There were six vehicles involved in the vehicle incident, according to the BC Highway Patrol.

RCMP say at least one vehicle did not stop in time, triggering a “chain reaction of collisions.”

They say the investigation is in its early stages, but impairment is not believed to be a factor in the crash in the highway’s eastbound lanes.