UPDATE: 13:45 Three independent parallel investigations are continuing into the deadly crane collapse that killed five people a year ago in downtown Kelowna. A memorial service was held on Tuesday attended by hundreds of community members, officials and relatives and friends of the victims. “My son left because of pressure, because of schedules, because of budget, and I don’t have the exact reason, but I also know what my son went through,” said Danielle Pritchett, Cailen Vilness’ mother. Vilnes was one of four young construction workers killed when a crane collapsed while being lowered. The crane arm hit another building, next to the high-rise, killing another man who was working in the building. In addition to Vilness, Jared Zook and brothers Patrick and Eric Stemmer died while working on the site, while a fifth victim, Brad Zawislak, was crushed to death when the crane hit the building next door. WorkSafe BC says their investigation is ongoing but nearing completion. “The primary purpose of the WorkSafe BC investigation is to determine what caused this incident, including contributing factors. As you heard our investigation is still ongoing, but we are very close to completion and I am very happy to say that the majority of the work is done,” Jessica Berglund, director of OHS Investigations for WorkSafe BC, said at the memorial. . It was an emotional day for Jared Zook’s parents as they addressed the crowd during the memorial service. “Jared filled a position that no one else can fill. How Jared made people feel, see and appreciate by taking time for one and nothing like Jared’s laugh,” said mother Pamela Zook. Cailen Vilness’ father, Chris Vilness, says he is working with the city of Kelowna to create a permanent memorial downtown to remember his son and the four others who lost their lives. “Hopefully sooner rather than later. We don’t want to wait years. We would like to see something. We need a place to go. There is a plaque on the Brooklyn tower, but it is not a place for families to go to find some peace and remember our men,” he said. It is currently unknown when the three investigations will be completed. ORIGINAL: 8:30am Today marks the grim anniversary of the crane collapse in downtown Kelowna on July 12, 2021. Kelowna RCMP tell Castanet they are continuing to investigate the fatal crash that resulted in five deaths. Tragedy struck while workers dismantled a tower crane at a construction site at Bernard Avenue and St. Paul in Kelowna. Cailen Vilness, Jared Zook and brothers Patrick and Eric Stemmer died while working on site while Brad Zawislak was crushed and killed when the crane hit the building next door. “The criminal investigation was assigned to a task force of the Kelowna RCMP Serious Crime Unit. This investigation is separate from the regulatory investigation being conducted by WorkSafeBC,” said a press release from the RCMP. Insp. Beth McAndie, Investigative Services Officer for the Kelowna RCMP called the investigation “complex” and “one of the largest workplace fatalities in BC history. There is a significant amount of technical evidence for my team to analyze.” On Monday, WorksafeBC said it has reviewed all relevant documentation and other evidence, in addition to conducting interviews with witnesses, but does not have an estimate of how long it will take to complete the work. The North Okanagan Labor Council is holding an hour of remembrance today to honor the five lives lost. The event will start at 10:00 am The memorial service will be held at the intersection of St. Bernard and St. Paul. A minute’s silence will be observed at the time the accident happened a year ago. Mayor Colin Basran, Kelowna councilors and representatives from WorksafeBC will be speaking. Madison Erhardt
