A memorial fund and a series of heartfelt tributes are honouring the life of Connor Dunn, a 15-year-old student who was tragically killed in an e-bike collision on April 20.
Connor was riding with his friend Lukis Joy-Stoycheff when they were struck by a pickup truck. Lukis was hospitalized with serious injuries and is now recovering. The driver of the vehicle, 18-year-old Gregory Parise, faces several charges, including impaired driving causing death and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death. The charges have not been proven in court, and Parise is presumed innocent.
In the weeks following the incident, students at Korah Collegiate have found unique ways to grieve and honour their friend. Several of Connor’s classmates have tattooed the date of his passing — April 20, 2024, in Roman numerals — on their forearms as a permanent memorial.
“I was very touched by this,” said Melanie Dunn, Connor’s mother, in a statement to SooToday.
A group of mothers, speaking on behalf of the tattooed students, said the ink is more than a memorial — it marks a turning point in their children’s lives.
“It represents the day their little lives changed. Waking up to the news that their friend was gone. Getting the news that Lukis was severely injured. A strong reminder of the consequences of drinking and driving,” the mothers said.
“It’s also the day their bonds of friendship grew stronger. Being there for one another, grieving in their own way. A day our babies grew up just a little bit more.”
Connor’s teammates from the U16 AA Jr. Greyhounds have also chosen to honour him with tattoos — his hockey number, 19, framed by angel wings.
In addition to these personal tributes, Connor’s family is launching the Long Live Connor Dunn Memorial Fund to support young athletes in the community.
“This fund was created to honour Connor’s enduring legacy of kindness, community, and passion for sport by supporting young athletes through scholarships in Sault Ste. Marie,” Melanie Dunn said.
“It’s difficult to attend events knowing that his smile and laughter won’t be found in the crowd. But it means more than words can express to know that Connor touched so many lives and will be remembered with such love.”
Proceeds from this Saturday’s Sault Sabercats games will go toward the memorial fund. A dedicated website, LLCD.ca, is expected to launch soon.
Meanwhile, Lukis Joy-Stoycheff is back at school and continuing his recovery. His sister, Sierra Joy, shared her gratitude:
“We are super grateful for everyone and everything that the community has given us. Lukis continues to make great progress. We also send lots of love to Connor’s family.”
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