There’s Gonna Be A Party To Remember A Kitimat Fisherman Who Drowned In 2019

‘Come have some fun and support a great cause!’

Nick Hopwood via personal FB page.

In 2019, Nick Hopwood went fishing on the Kitimat River and never came home. 

Nick Hopwood, Via Nick Hopwood on FB.

He was only 21-years-old, a nearly 7-foot-tall volunteer firefighter.

“No matter how good a swimmer you are, the river is stronger,” a statement later released by Kitimat Search and Rescue reads. 

Hopwood’s drowning was devastating to his family. “I have a whole new level of empathy for anyone who has suffered major loss,” his sister Ashleigh wrote in 2020

Charleen Mykayla Nicholson, Via Charleen Mykayla Nicholson on FB

Now, three years after the tragic accident, community members are coming together to celebrate Hopwood’s life, raise money for local rescue services and have a-rockin’ good time. 

On September 24, there will be a beach-themed party at Luso Canadian Club with a live performance from The Rats, a Kitimat band that refers to themselves as “Rock n roll lunatics.”

Here’s a video of them rocking out

The Rats, Via The Rats on FB.

“In memory of Nick Hopwood, this is a fundraiser for Kitimat Swift Water Rescue. Tickets are $35 and on sale now at Pyramid Printers, Hirsch Creek Golf and Winter Club and Ron’s Fishing Tackle shop,” reads a Facebook post about the event. “Come have some fun and support a great cause!”

Charleen Mykayla Nicholson, Via Charleen Mykayla Nicholson on FB

Hopwood’s memory inspired a water safety campaign called N.I.C.K. created in part by his mother and stepfather. 

The acronym stands for “Never use waders without a belt. Include a knife to cut waders and remove trapped water. Closer to shore is safer. Keep your PFD on at all times.”

Charleen Mykayla Nicholson, Via Charleen Mykayla Nicholson on FB

“Safety gear won’t ruin your trip, it ensures you come home alive,” Kitimat Search and Rescue explained. There’s Gonna Be A Party To Remember A Kitimat Fisherman Who Drowned In 2019

Written by The Skeena

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