A 41-year-old mother from London is being remembered for her cheerful personality and years of coaching gymnastics, after she was hit by a vehicle in the city’s northwest last week.
Emergency services arrived at Sarnia Road and Chapman Court around 11:20 p. m. on Sept. 2, according to London police. A pedestrian was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and later passed away, police reported.
Friends have identified the victim as Felicia Aves from London.
“You don’t expect it. There was no plan for this to happen,” said Jamie Matte, a longtime friend of Aves. “It really is just a tragic thing that happened so quickly.”
Matte, who is a director at London Gymnastics Academy, met Aves over 30 years ago when they both started gymnastics classes at the academy.
Felicia Aves, 41, is being remembered as a single mother of three and longtime gymnastics coach. (Felicia Aves/ Facebook)
“I remember her walking in the first day. She was so bubbly and the most naturally talented person you would ever meet,” Matte said. “She could do anything first or second try, which drove us all nuts, but she was the sweetest and could get us out of any funk.”
Both women eventually became coaches at the academy, with Aves teaching various competitive and recreational classes like tumbling, cirque, and cheerleading. Matte estimates that Aves coached thousands of kids during her two-decade career.
“Her energy and the way she coached showed her love of kids and her love of the sport,” she said. “She would give her kids everything she had.”
Police still investigating
Matte mentioned that she doesn’t know why Aves was out on the night of the crash but noted that it wouldn’t be unusual for someone so active to go for a run late at night.
“I think anyone in north London would know exactly who she is if you just described her because she ran that often,” she said, adding that Aves ran for fun, mental health benefits, and to take care of errands.
Felicia Aves with her daughter Nigea at a gymnastics practice. (Supplied)
The London police say they are still looking into what caused the crash.
Efforts to support family
Aves was also a single mom raising three children aged 18, 17, and 12.
“Those kids were her life,” Matte shared. “As a single mom, she tried to do everything possible so they could have opportunities to thrive.”
Matte has set up a Go Fund Me campaign to help cover funeral costs, final expenses, and support for the children’s future.
“We’re trying to pick up the pieces and we’re trying to come together for these children as much as we can.”
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