Two killed by falling tree in West Vancouver

A tree came down in West Vancouver overnight Saturday, killing two people living in the Horseshoe Bay neighbourhood.

Crews arrived to the home after a large tree fell on the roof, causing extensive damage.

A man in his 60s and a woman in her 50s died at the scene.

They were later identified as former West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association President Mike Sharp and his wife Caroline.

Tragic news in our hockey community today. Former WVMHA President Mike Sharp and his wife Caroline died last night as a large tree fell on their house in Horseshoe Bay. We are in shock. Mike was a selfless leader and a true gentleman. #RIP @PCAHAMain @BCHockey_Source pic.twitter.com/uYb3S2YJbT

— West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association (@WestVanHockey) January 3, 2022

Sharp volunteered as a coach and administrator there for 12 years, and retired as President of the association in 2015.

Tom Oberti, President of the West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association, was saddened by the news of Sharp and his wife’s passing.

“He had a deep love for the game of hockey and was selfless with his time and a true gentleman,” says Oberti.

“The minor hockey community is close-knit and driven by volunteers like Mike, and his passing has touched many of us deeply.”

Mike had retired back in 2015 – “The minor hockey community is close-knit and driven by volunteers like Mike, and his passing has touched many of us deeply.” @CityNewsVAN https://t.co/FlEXtZea9b

— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) January 3, 2022

The Coroner came to the house, along with the West Vancouver Fire Department and Police Department.

“While on scene, officers noted downed B.C. Hydro wires and ruptured gas lines that were damaged as a result of the uprooted tree,” West Vancouver Police Const. Kevin Goodmurphy said.

“We are supporting the British Columbia Coroners Service as they conduct their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the loss of life. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

Related Articles:

• Vancouver park staff brace for the next storm as cleanup continues

• Ready for a power outage? Lower Mainlanders underprepared, BC Hydro says

Goodmurphy added that it “appears to be a tragic accident.”

That night, neighbors reported very high winds and heavy snowfall, which impeded access to the scene.

Roads remain closed in the area as crews work to remove debris.

Open Gallery 5 items

With files from Paul James and Tarnjit Kaur Parmar.