Funeral for 3 Brampton brothers who died in fire will include ‘drive-past’ for grieving
Published January 26, 2022 at 7:33 pm
The family members who are mourning Coen, Riley and Alex Bagan-Overholt, the three brothers from Brampton who died last week in a townhome fire, have made a final public statement on Wednesday night.
The Bagan and Tomatuk families says a community drive-past will be part of the funeral services on Sunday (Jan. 30) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.. at the Brampton Funeral Home at 10061 Chinguacousy Road. While the ceremony itself is private, and the family is asking “for our privacy to grieve as a family,” it wants to offer residents who have been affected by the loss of young life to pay their respects.
“We know this tragedy is being felt by many,” the statement advises. “An opportunity for a drive-past is available for community members to pay their respects to the boys and show their support for the family.
“Please remain in your vehicles as you travel through the designated area,” it adds.
The Bagan and Tomatuk families have also requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations to Autism Ontario can be made in Coen, Riley and Alex’s names.
The fatal fire happened shortly after 9 a.m. on Jan. 20 while the boys’ mother, Heather Bagan, was taking her youngest son, five-year-old Nate, to school. Later that day, flags at all City of Brampton facilities were lowered to half-mast and the City Hall clock tower was dimmed in memory of the three children.
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A GoFundMe campaign created by the group Malton Moms to support Heather Bagan with funeral expenses, food and rehousing has raised $208,949 as of Jan. 26. The eventual goal of the fundraised has been increased to $225,000.
“We also thank the community of Brampton and beyond, for the outpouring of support,” the family statement added. “We have been overwhelmed with kindness. We understand why Heather and the boys were proud to call Brampton their home. The city, the residents and the strong community that is established here, are truly astonishing. From our family to yours, we continue to thank you for your kind words, generosity, prayers and understanding.
Brampton Fire Chief Bill Boyes and Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah have offered their condolences to the victims’ family and friends, as did Mayor Patrick Brown and Premier Doug Ford.
The family statement, in its entirety, reads:
“This past week has been the most difficult time we have ever experienced as a family. There are no words to accurately express and convey the heartache we are feeling with the loss of Coen, Riley and Alex.
“The boys were incredibly helpful, kind and good humans, but more than anything, they were, and continue to be, deeply loved by so many.
“We know their personalities will brighten the afterlife and continue to shine within all of our hearts. We thank Coen, Riley and Alex for choosing us to be their family.
“We also thank the community of Brampton and beyond, for the outpouring of support. We have been overwhelmed with kindness. We understand why Heather and the boys were proud to call Brampton their home. The city, the residents and the strong community that is established here, are truly astonishing. From our family to yours, we continue to thank you for your kind words, generosity, prayers and understanding.
“While the services for Coen, Riley and Alex will be private, we know this tragedy is being felt by many. An opportunity for a drive-past is available for community members to pay their respects to the boys and show their support for the family.
“WHERE: Brampton Funeral Home (10061 Chinguacousy Road, Brampton)
“WHEN: Sunday, January 30, 2022 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“HOW: This is a drive-past type opportunity. Please remain in your vehicles as you travel through
the designated area.“More information can be found by visiting the funeral home webpage (arbormemorial.ca).
“In lieu of flowers or other kind gestures, we request that a donation be made in the boys name to Autism Ontario.
“While we are appreciative of the support and compassion we have been shown, we continue to ask for our privacy to grieve as a family.
“Thank you kindly.”
To donate to Autism Ontario, click here.
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