As the death toll from the April 6 Humboldt junior hockey bus crash continues to rise, and with the passing of team trainer Dayna Brons marking the 16th fatality, the victims’ families have been met with an outpouring of support from a local parent’s viral GoFundMe campaign.
The bus, carrying 28 players and staff members at the time, collided with a semi truck in Saskatchewan, initially leaving 14 dead, with two more passing in the subsequent days.
The crowdsourcing campaign created by Humboldt hockey parent Sylvie Kellington to “raise money for the players and families affected,” went live on the day of the crash, collected a staggering $2.2 million of donations in the first 24 hours following the tragedy.
At the time of writing, that total currently sits at $10.8 million, with little sign of slowing down.
The tragedy was the subject of international attention as Candian officials and NHL players offered their condolences and assistance in the aftermath of the collision.
It appears that attention has elicited goodwill and financial assistance from an unexpected number of sources, hopefully leaving the families of those affected with one less concern during their times of grief. The campaign mentions that Canadian airline WestJet is offering assistance for the families members trying to find their way to Saskatchewan.
Kellington hasn’t yet made any mention of disbursements to the families and victims but says in the campaign’s story that she is working with the GoFundMe staff to expedite that process.
Speaking to Humboldt radio station BoltFM earlier this week, she expressed her shock upon witnessing the donations climb.
“We started with a goal of $10,000, then we considered dropping it to $5,000 because we didn’t want to appear greedy,” she said. “Our original goal was just to pay for coffee and parking for the families at Royal University Hospital, and maybe the meals. We just had very limited goals because we didn't think it would go very far.”
Caitlin Hergott, who assisted in creating the campaign, spoke with humility of the outpouring of support for her campaign, telling BoltFM, “It’s humbling… and amazing… and astonishing and we’re both just so grateful that people want to help the Humboldt Broncos. And this will help them long-term.”
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
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Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.