A Comox Valley slo-pitch player critically injured during a game in Courtenay has died. Chris Godfrey passed away Wednesday. He was flown to Victoria General Hospital for brain surgery and had been on life support ever since the accident August 19th.
The 32-year-old was rushed to hospital in Comox, then Victoria on August 19 during a tournament in the Comox Valley after a ball thrown from the infield hit him in the back of the head. He wasn't wearing a helmet at the time. The incident is described as "one in a million" tragedy. But as a result of the accident, the Comox Valley Slo-Pitch League has implemented mandatory helmets for players. Other leagues across the Island are considering making helmets mandatory as well.
Godfrey was the father of a one-year-old daughter, Faith.
A go fund me page has raised more than $33,000, for the Godfrey family and the league has donated $5,000.
Chris was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend to so many, and he is going to be greatly missed by all whose path he crossed.