A fundraiser purportedly launched by a friend of the victim in this weekend's fatal stabbing in Whistler Village has identified him as 26-year-old Henry Garcia.
"Henry was one of my best friends. I had known him since we were 6 years old. He truly felt like a brother to me," read the GoFundMe organized by Kevin Peneda Romero that, at press time, had raised nearly $22,000 of the original $15,000 goal.
The post says that Garcia was stabbed "multiple times in an altercation while trying to taxi home to our hotel in Whistler." Pique has requested more information to confirm this account from both the Whistler RCMP and B.C.'s Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) and has not yet received a response.
In an IHIT release, authorities said that at around 2:09 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, police responded to the Whistler Medical Clinic, where the man was being treated. Upon arrival, Mounties learned he had died as a result of his injuries.
Witnesses helped investigators identify the crime scene in the 4100 block of Village Green, which was immediately secured. A photo posted to social media showed police tape cordoning off the scene near the Listel Hotel.
Law enforcement noted the victim is not connected to the ongoing gang conflict in the Lower Mainland.
"We believe this to be an isolated incident, in what is normally a peaceful resort community. There is no known risk to the public. Investigators believe there may have been witnesses in the area who have information, including cellphone videos and pictures, as well as dash cam footage," said Cpl. Timothy Pierotti with IHIT in a release.
Romero went on to say his friend "was the happiest I had ever seen him" over the last few months. "He made dozens of amazing friendships while playing in our volleyball leagues and tournaments, with people that I know will never forget his cheerful personality. Over the last few months, I witnessed him make amazing transformations with his health and fitness, and he was becoming a great role model to many."
Anyone who was in the area between 1:30 and 2:30 a.m. is asked to contact IHIT immediately at 1-877-551-4448 or ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
This story has been updated since publication.
