Skip to content

Friends lament loss of ‘special’ Christy

Facebook fundraiser springs up with donations flooding in for cyclist, 36, killed in tragic accident

An outpouring of emotional messages flooded an online fundraising website for Christy Mahy, the 36 year-old woman who tragically died while cycling on Sea Island last week.

Mahy, a longtime Richmond resident, attended McNair secondary and, according to friends, was a kind, thoughtful and private person, who touched many people’s lives.

At the scene of the tragedy on Tuesday was Kristen Fiessel, who described herself as a friend of Mahy.

“It was devastating. I actually (gave birth) to my son the same day she died,” said Fiessel.

“She was a friend. She was a genuine person. Very nice...I never heard an unkind word from her mouth.”

On Facebook, a friend called Erin wrote, “Christy is a very special friend that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, and only loves you for who you are...”

While Brian and Kelly Dominik wrote, “I was immediately drawn to her kindness and thoughtfulness and became quite fond of Christy when we met as young teenagers. I have nothing but great memories of her and wish her eternal peace.”

The fundraiser in Mahy’s name is being organized by Nattalia Vance, as well as Cindy Schofield, a friend of Joni Mahy, Christy’s sister. Joni, who’s organizing a slideshow for her sister’s service, was unavailable for comment at press time.

As of Tuesday, the fundraiser for a celebration of life service had raised $4,400 from 62 donors, after quickly reaching its goal of $2,500. Schofield said any extra money would go toward Joni’s charity of choice.

The fundraising page, at www.youcaring.com, had been shared more than 500 times on Facebook.

Mahy was standing with her bike at the intersection of Gilbert Road and Russ Baker Way on a sunny Wednesday afternoon. A driver of an SUV lost control of the vehicle and struck Mahy, who died less than an hour later.

Mahy was predeceased by her mother and survived by her father. Richmond RCMP have not laid charges but said speed could be a factor in the accident. Mounties are also asking for possible witnesses to come forward by calling 604-278-1212.

Last year the News explored cycling issues — including safety — in Richmond as part of a feature story on cycling in Richmond.

@WestcoastWood

gwood@richmond-news.com