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Saanich student who died on school trip killed by falling tree, says coroner

Tai Caverhill was killed during a Lansdowne school trip to Camp Barnard in Sooke
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Tai Caverhill died at Camp Barnard in 2019 when a tree fell on him during a school field trip. (Photo from GoFundMe campaign)

A teen who died two years ago was killed by being hit by a falling tree while on a field trip in Sooke, confirmed a coroner’s report released Sept. 21.

Tainada (Tai) Talabngern Caverhill, 13, was healthy and active when he died June 19, 2019. Caverhill was on a camping trip at Camp Barnard in Sooke and exploring a creek bed with friends when a wind storm brought down the tree around 3:20 p.m.

The teen was pinned by the tree and freed by witnesses, but could not be resuscitated.

RELATED: Victoria teen killed by falling tree remembered as hero

The official cause of death – blunt force trauma – was determined by examination of the body and scene, and subsequent investigation, according to the report by Adele Lambert, a B.C. coroner.

The coroner’s classification as accidental echoes the police investigation that determined the youth’s death was not suspicious.

Caverhill, hailed as a hero who alerted others to the falling tree, was to start Grade 9 at Oak Bay High in fall 2019.

A statement issued by the Greater Victoria School District after his death remembered Caverhill’s positive outlook and infectious smile.

“[Tai] was the type of student who would kindly greet anyone he passed in the hallway. Tai will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the entire community.”

RELATED: Saanich school grapples with death of 13-year-old


 

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Christine van Reeuwyk

About the Author: Christine van Reeuwyk

I'm dedicated to serving the community of Oak Bay as a senior journalist with the Greater Victoria news team.
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