Ezra Cool, the man reportedly killed in the pedestrian collision on Highway 6 in Vernon (Image Credit: GoFundMe)

By Liam Verster

Fatal Pedestrian Collision

Online fundraiser to support family of man killed in hit-and-run

Feb 19, 2026 | 1:08 PM

The family of a man killed after being hit by a semi truck in Vernon has launched a GoFundMe.

Ezra Cool was said to be the 22-year-old victim of the crash that involved a semi-truck that fled the scene at the intersection of Highway 6 and 27th Street on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 12.

The GoFundMe, started by Cool’s cousin Teeana Dranchuk, said the young man was “an incredible big brother” to his little sisters and that “family was always a priority in his life.”

Dranchuk went on to say that Cool was an honour roll student, served in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, and was outdoorsy and creative, but he also had his struggles.

“Before his passing, Ezra reached out for help. He checked himself into the hospital for a wellness check,” the fundraiser stated.

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“He was meant to receive 24/7 supervised care. Somewhere along the way, that care did not happen, and our family is left grieving a loss that should never have occurred.”

The GoFundMe intends to help with the unexpected funeral costs and support Cool’s mother as she takes time off work to grieve and support her daughters.

As of time of publication, the Supporting Our Family After the Sudden Loss of Ezra Cool fundraiser had raised over $17,000.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said the search for the driver and truck involved in the collision was ongoing and the investigation into the incident was still open as of Feb. 19.

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