On a Day Meant for Memory, Grief Deepens with Each Name

Some days are meant to hold both memory and hope—a gathering to honor what was lost, and a gesture toward what might be built. On the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Tsawwassen First Nation had invited community members to witness the unveiling of four traditional carvings, house posts that would stand as symbols of resilience. What unfolded instead was a moment of profound loss, and the grief that followed has now deepened.

Delta police have confirmed that a third person has died as a result of the Sept. 30 crash at Tsawwassen Mills mall. Gwenyth Brigit Dwyn, 64, of South Delta, had been hospitalized since the collision and died from her injuries . Two Tsawwassen First Nation elders, wilapiya (also known as Barb Joe) and Virginia Splockton, died at the scene . A fourth person who was injured has been released from hospital and is recovering at home .

The crash occurred as community members gathered outside the mall ahead of the unveiling of the house posts, following a Truth and Reconciliation Day walk hosted by the Tsawwassen First Nation . A pickup truck struck pedestrians at the event. Police have said they suspect the driver was experiencing a medical emergency prior to the collision .

Delta police said in a statement that the investigation remains active and the possibility of a medical event is still being examined . “Based on the evidence reviewed to date, investigators have not identified evidence indicating that the collision was targeted or ideologically motivated,” the statement read . Investigators are reviewing a substantial volume of evidence, including witness interviews and video footage, and are examining the vehicle's movements before the pedestrians were struck, including an earlier collision on the property .

Staff Sgt. Mike Whiteley said the community has questions and wants answers. “Our responsibility is to ensure those answers are based on a complete and objective examination of the evidence,” he said. “Investigators are working through a significant amount of information, and it is important that we not reach conclusions before that work is complete” . Any potential charges will be forwarded to Crown prosecutors for assessment .

The Tsawwassen First Nation has shared statements on social media mourning the loss of the two elders who died at the scene . The house posts that were to be unveiled—traditional carvings representing cultural continuity—remain as symbols of what the community had gathered to celebrate before tragedy intervened.

Police have renewed their appeal for witnesses, asking anyone who has not already spoken to investigators to come forward. The investigation continues, and for the families of the three women who died, the answers will come in time. What cannot be recovered is what was lost on a day meant for remembrance.

The images accompanying this article are AI-generated and are intended only to illustrate the subject matter.

Sources: Delta Police Department, CTV News Vancouver, CBC News, The Canadian Press, The Lethbridge Herald, Bowen Island Undercurrent