Fundraiser launched for volleyball player who suffered spinal injury in crash

An online fundraiser has been launched for one of the three Thompson Rivers University (TRU) men’s volleyball players who were involved in a car crash last week in Kamloops.

According to organizer Courtney Hannigan, Riley Brinnen was sent to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) via air ambulance with a severe spinal injury after he and two teammates were struck by a Dodge Ram truck near McGill Road and University Drive Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Hannigan writes that Brinnen is currently in the spinal intensive care unit after undergoing surgery on Nov. 30.

“He is expected to be at VGH and GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre for many months,” Hannigan writes. “He is surrounded by his parents… as well as his sisters and extended family. We have been by his side through every minute of this and will continue to do so until he comes home.”

From Kelowna, Brinnen is in fourth year at TRU working towards a psychology degree. He earned a spot on the WolfPack men’s volleyball team after he graduated from Kelowna Secondary School in 2020.

Hannigan writes that funds raised will cover some costs as Brinnen, his family and the medical team “work towards building his new normal going forward.”

As of 2:30 p.m. Dec. 4, the fundraiser has raised more than $73,000.