Friends gathered to bid a final farewell to a man killed in a freak cycling accident
Posted February 25, 2016 2:30 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Dozens of people gathered in the sunshine on Vancouver’s seawall today to remember a friend killed in a bizarre accident early last month.
A memorial was held for 45-year-old Juan Pedro Loro Avis. He was the cyclist killed after being hit in the head by a nearby binner who was tossing items out of the trash and one of those heavy objects just happen to have struck Avis.
He hit the pavement face-first, although it’s unclear if he died because of the item that hit him or because of the fall.
Friends released colourful balloons in his honour this morning.
Some held back tears, others laughed at the memories they shared with him.
“The definition of Pedro, he was really genuine,” says one woman.
“He was a really lovely friend,” adds another.
“The main characteristic for me is he was really free from pretending anything. He was so brave,” says a man described as Avis’ best friend.
Avis had moved to Vancouver from Spain a decade ago and passed away one day shy of his 46th birthday.
Police don’t think the incident was done on purpose, but more than a month later are still trying to find the man believed to be responsible.
The man the VPD is looking for is described as Aboriginal, in his 30’s, and about 6’0″ with a medium build and shoulder length black hair. He was wearing a black puffy jacket and dark jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to call the VPD Major Crime Section at 604.717.2500 or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.8477.
