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Community rallies behind family of fatal gas-and-dash victim in Thorsby, Alta.

Alberta business owners are hosting an event next month to raise money for the family of a man killed last year in a gas–and–dash southwest of Edmonton.

'We’re trying to bring the store back to life,' son says

Kaylen Small · CBC News ·
A man with dark hair and square glasses smiles at the camera. He is dressed in a light brown coat and appears to be behind the cash of a convenience store.
Ki Yun Jo, 54, was hit and killed in a gas and dash incident in Thorsby, Alta. on Oct. 6, 2017. (RCMP)

The past seven months have been a struggle for the Jo family.

Gas station owner Ki Yun Jo, 54, was killed in a gas-and-dash Oct. 6 at his Fas Gas in Thorsby, Alta. and since then, his family has been trying to keep the business afloat.

Jo's son, Sung Hyun Jo, quit his accounting job to help his mother and sister at the store.

He said his family has struggled to pay for the business costs as they continue to grieve.

"For some reason, everything just started to break down," said Jo about several recent repairs. 

"I had no clue where to contact for any kind of financial support," he said. "We were just sitting and waiting and hoping somebody would come out and help out."  

Sung Hyun Jo, pictured here with his parents, says his family is grateful for the support. (Sung Hyun Jo)

That's where Pigeon Lake resident Rhonda Fiveland comes in.

She remembers meeting Ki Yun Jo five years ago after he requested a quote from her company to paint his gas station.

She is now organizing a June 9 barbecue fundraiser called Healing Using Generosity (H.U.G.) to support Jo's family.

Donations for the family will be accepted at the event, which will be held at the Thorsby Fas Gas.

"This devastation, the tragedy of not just losing a father and a husband — it's how he was lost," Fiveland said. 

Rhonda Fiveland is organizing a barbecue fundraiser for Ki Yun Jo's family. (Sung Hyun Jo)

Fiveland is offering to paint the gas station free of charge ahead of the event — a job estimated to be worth over $10,000.  

"What I'm doing is just one small part," Fiveland said. "The community supported me in this. I'm just one person and the rest of the community is coming together, to band together, to help the family."  

A handful of other Alberta businesses are also offering services and supplies, including a new roof for the gas station.

Alberta business owners are hosting an event in June to raise money for the family of Ki Yun Jo, who was killed trying to stop a gas–and–dash last year. (Supplied by Sung Hyun Jo)

"There are no words that can explain our emotions — how thankful we are," said Sung Hyun Jo. "It just meant so much to us because our store was not running properly and we needed help. And she came to us."  

Jo and his family are looking forward to the event and the support it will bring.

"The store meant everything to my dad," Jo said. "And we're trying to bring the store back to life."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kaylen Small

Journalist

Reporter and Associate Producer at CBC Edmonton // [email protected] // @KaylenSmall

    With files from Alexandra Zabjek

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