(Victoria) BC’s coroner issued a public safety bulletin on wildfire smoke, saying the death of a nine-year-old boy had been ‘confirmed by his parents’ as being related to a condition medical aggravated by smoke.
The BC Coroners Service says the “sudden and unexpected” death of Carter Vigh of the Municipality of 100 Mile House is a heartbreaking loss for her family and the community. An investigation is underway.
The boy’s aunt, Anamaria Vigh, said on Facebook that he died of asthma last week in hospital.
There are currently more than 370 wildfires in British Columbia and air quality alerts from wildfire smoke cover much of the province.
The British Columbia Coroners Service says in a statement that as the province experiences greater impacts from the effects of climate change, residents are learning more about the risks associated with wildfire smoke, extreme heat and other environmental factors.
Residents can protect themselves from smoke by staying indoors, keeping windows closed, using high-efficiency particulate filtration air purifiers, and visiting air-conditioned places such as shopping malls and libraries, mentions the press release.
Anamaria Vigh started a GoFundMe crowdfunding page for her nephew’s family. The site has raised around $30,000 since its launch five days ago.
Carter Vigh’s mother, Amber Vigh, said in a statement on Facebook that she hopes to raise awareness of the seriousness of asthma.
“We want people to know how quickly things can change,” she shared, adding that her son’s death came despite the family being diligent about his care, monitoring near the condition of the boy and having a pump ready.
“Yesterday we had to say our last goodbyes to you, she wrote on Saturday in another message addressed to her son. My perfect baby boy, lying on this bed. I really don’t know how we can heal from this! »
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth called Carter Vigh’s death a “terrible, terrible tragedy” and “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
Minister Farnworth said the province wants to wait for the coroner’s report after a full inquest to see if changes can be made to resolve the incident, but it’s imperative residents follow public health advisories about the quality of the air throughout British Columbia.
“It’s monitored daily and I think people need to pay attention to it,” he said.