Family and friends are struggling with the loss of Chris Conyers, who died after being struck by a car over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Conyers, 21, was walking home near the 20th Side Road and Big Bay Point Road around 1:00 a.m. Sunday when he was hit by a car police said. He was transported to a Toronto hospital where he later died from his injuries.
"Chris was born on my birthday and I couldn't ask for a better gift," said his father Stan. "I think he made me a better father, he challenged me to be an actual father and that's why I'm so proud of him."
Chris was just steps away from his home when the collision happened. A roadside vigil has now been set up.
"It hasn't hit me yet, but it's hard," said Chris' sister Erica. "He supported me through everything; he had my back all the time. Every time I went out he made sure I was safe, every single time."
The family has decided to donate Chris' organs and as a result two other families are able to celebrate life as the Conyers try to put their lives back together.
The 72 year-old driver was not physically injured.
Police said alcohol is not believed to be a factor.
The Barrie Police Traffic Unit is continuing its investigation.
No charges have been laid.
