A Go Fund Me page has been set up for a local Nordic ski legend who passed away suddenly in China.
“We are all saddened by the news of the passing of John Heilig, who dedicated his life’s passion to the sport of ski jumping and Nordic combined,” said Tim Gayda.
Gayda, a friend of John, started the page on behalf of Kelly Heilig.
A driving force for the ski jumping and Nordic events at the Whistler Olympic Park, as well as for the local Sea to Sky Nordics park, Nick passed away in China.
“Something happened at dinner, and unfortunately he sort of stopped breathing,” Gyada told CTV, adding that it may have been a heart attack.
“Passing away is tragic in any circumstances, but the timing of this, in the middle of COVID-19 and far away in Hebei Province China, complicates this suffering for the family to unimaginable heights. Returning John from China will be challenging and expensive,” Gayda said.
“For this reason we are asking you to give what can so John’s wife and 5 children do not have to be burdened financially when they are grieving the loss of their husband and father. Every little bit is appreciated,” he said.
“It is people like John that truly make the Winter Olympics great; he worked unbelievably hard and had fun doing it. He will be missed.”
