DJ Hancock’s too-short life will be remembered today when family, friends and municipal officials gather at a property on Walford Road to open a memorial park in the teen’s honour.
The Nickel Capital Wolves player was killed on Aug. 21, 2014 when the vehicle he was driving collided with a vehicle driven by a driver who, it turned out, was impaired. The 18-year-old was killed in the crash.
Today, his life will be remembered, just as his loss will be felt, when the DJ Hancock Memorial Park opens officially on Walford Road.
In the two years since his death, Hancock’s family have become outspoken critics of impaired driving, attempting to educate young people about the risks of doing so, and pushed for stiffer sentences for those convicted of impaired driving-related offences.
Besides the usual city park amenities, the memorial park will include the Splash Pad of Champions in Memory of DJ Hancock, a hockey-themed water area unique among the city’s many splash pads.
Hancock’s family fundraised to make the park a reality and received a great deal of community support.
The splash pad opens on Walford Road on municipal property adjacent to Lockerby Composite School. Hancock's family and members of the Splash Pad of Champions committee will join Mayor Brian Bigger for the opening of the splash pad and the DJ Hancock Memorial Park.
Ward 10 Coun. Fern Cormier will also be on hand, as will children from South End summer playground programs who will be able to enjoy the splash pad and park for the first time.
Sudbury.com will also be on hand to bring you coverage of the opening, as well as video of the unique hockey-themed splash pad.
