Joe Gauthier pictured. Photo courtesy of GoFundMe
Two GoFundMe pages have been launched for a Victoria man who was found dead yesterday near Hillside Mall.
The first fundraiser was set up by a family friend to aid in assuring the victim, Joe Gauthier, gets “The celebration of life he deserves.”
Another family friend launched a GoFundMe to help bring two of Gauthier’s boys and their mother from Saskatchewan to Victoria.
Gauthier’s two other boys are in B.C.
“Joe was a very special man and lit up any room he entered and will be missed by so many,” said the second GoFundMe page, “The family appreciates all the love and support during this very difficult time.”
Any funds raised for the second fundraiser above the cost of flights ($1500) will go towards the children’s future education.
Joe Gauthier pictured left
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) was called in yesterday to investigate the fatal incident, after Victoria police found Gauthier deceased early Saturday morning.
Unconfirmed reports say that his death was a result of a stabbing.
Victoria Police Cheif Del Manak says there is no threat to the public.
Officials have released few details but are asking any witnesses to come forward to police.
Anyone who was in the area of the 1400-block of Hillside Ave early Saturday morning, or has any information about the incident, is asked to call the VIIMCU Information line at 250-380-6211 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Julian Kolsut
