Chris Pollard was a Hamilton hero, a man who dedicated his life to helping others and making a difference in his community. He was a firefighter, a coach, a mentor, and a friend to many. He passed away on September 24, 2023, in a tragic car accident that shocked and saddened the entire city. He was 45 years old.Chris Pollard Car Accident
Who Was Chris Pollard?
Chris Pollard was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, and had a passion for firefighting since he was a child. He joined the Hamilton Fire Department in 2003 and rose to the rank of captain. He was known for his bravery, professionalism, and leadership skills. He was also a loving husband to his wife, Jennifer, and a proud father to his two sons, Tyler and Ryan.
Chris was not only a firefighter, but also a hockey enthusiast. He played the game himself and later became a coach for the Hamilton Huskies Minor Hockey Association. He was a role model and an inspiration for many young players, who admired his skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. He was also a generous supporter of various charities and causes, such as the Hamilton Food Share, the Hamilton SPCA, and the Canadian Cancer Society.
How Did Chris Pollard Die?
Chris Pollard died on September 24, 2023, in a horrific car accident that occurred on Highway 6 near Caledonia. According to the Ontario Provincial Police, Chris was driving his pickup truck southbound on the highway when he collided with a tractor-trailer that was turning left onto Haldimand Road 66. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire and resulted in fatal injuries for Chris. The driver of the tractor-trailer suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation by the OPP. The authorities have not released any details about the factors that contributed to the crash, or whether any charges will be laid against the driver of the tractor-trailer. The investigation is expected to take several weeks to complete.
How Did the Community React to Chris Pollard’s Death?
Chris Pollard’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from the community of Hamilton and beyond. His family, friends, colleagues, teammates, students, and fans expressed their sorrow and gratitude for his life on social media and in person. A candlelight vigil was held on September 25, 2023, at the Hamilton Fire Station 1, where hundreds of people gathered to honor his memory and pay their respects. A GoFundMe page was also set up to help his family with funeral expenses and other needs.
On September 26, 2023, the Hamilton Fire Department announced that all its stations would lower their flags to half-mast for the week to mourn the loss of Chris Pollard. The department also provided counseling and support services for its members and their families. The Hamilton Huskies Minor Hockey Association decided to dedicate their next season to Chris Pollard, and wear his initials on their jerseys.
FAQ
What is the Hamilton Fire Department?
The Hamilton Fire Department is the municipal fire service that provides fire protection and emergency response services to the city of Hamilton, Ontario. It has over 600 firefighters and operates 26 fire stations across the city.
How can I help Chris Pollard’s family?
You can help Chris Pollard’s family by donating to their GoFundMe page, or by sending them cards, flowers, or messages of support.
When is Chris Pollard’s funeral?
Chris Pollard’s funeral will be held on October 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bay Gardens Funeral Home in Hamilton. The visitation will be held on October 1, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the same location.