The world lost an "outstanding guy,” says a friend of the man who died while kiteboarding in Squamish on Canada Day.
Gray Taylor died when an unusually strong gust of wind picked him up and brought him down on the rocks off of Squamish’s oceanfront park, says Michael Coulthard, Taylor’s friend who was with him at the time of the accident.
"He was just probably one of the nicest, most respected people I know in our community. It's such a big loss," Coulthard said.
"He was a really, really well-connected and respected person in the community."
Taylor, a North Vancouver resident in his 50s, who spent a lot of time in Squamish, had a “great day” mountain biking here in the morning with friends. Then they headed to the beach, and Taylor went kiteboarding.
Coulthard said it was "really challenging" conditions on the water, and Taylor was just hit by the gust at the wrong time.
Coulthard noted Taylor was a former Ironman athlete and swimmer, who was experienced and very safety conscious.
"Not a risk taker at all; a very safe individual," he said.
When the accident happened, at about 4 p.m. on Monday, Coulthard pulled his friend to shore and administered CPR. There was a large group of people at the park who also rushed to help, including trained professionals, Coulthard said.
He stressed how quickly the response was by bystanders, and members of the Squamish Windsports Society, BC Ambulance Service and Squamish Fire Rescue.
"The response was fast. The help was there,” he said.
The District of Squamish put out a statement about Taylor's death on July 4, expressing the municipality's sadness and gratitude to those who tried to help Taylor.
"The District is deeply saddened by this outcome and wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time," the statement read.
"The District would also like to express gratitude to all those who stepped in to help, and to recognize the swift response of the Squamish Windsport Society (SWS) operations crew on duty at Pepahim (Spit Island) who reached the injured kiteboarder within minutes and began first aid in this emergency situation. Appreciation is also extended to the tireless efforts of Squamish Fire Rescue crews and all first responders on scene."
Coulthard said Taylor was a family man, a devoted husband and a great father of a teenager.
"Family was everything to Gray, but he gave himself to everyone,” said good friend Aaron Rideout.
“He was the first to volunteer his time to help out, to give guidance, or just to chat. He was immensely proud of the life he had built with his wife and son, and loved sharing those experiences with others: be it mountain biking, camping or eating a good meal. He did everything with a smile on his face and made everyone around him feel comfortable and like they were important and heard and cared for. He was a gem."
The developer behind the new oceanfront park sent condolences to Taylor's family.
"We are deeply saddened to have heard about the tragic accident at Sp’akw’us Feather Park and offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," said John Matthews, president of Matthews West Developments, in an email to The Squamish Chief.
A spokesperson for the BC Coroners Service told The Squamish Chief it is investigating Taylor’s death.
Taylor’s family asks for privacy during this difficult time.
