Funds pour in for family of 16-year-old dirt biker killed on Pickering border

Support is flooding in for the family of a 16-year-old boy who was killed in a crash on the Pickering-Uxbridge border.

The boy, now identified as Cameron Nandoo of Markham, was riding his dirt bike east along Townline Rd. around 9:30 p.m. on July 19. According to Durham Regional Police, a westbound car drifted into Nandoo’s path and the two vehicles collided.

Paramedics soon arrived and rushed Nandoo to hospital where he was declared dead.

A Go Fund Me has been set up in Nandoo’s honour, sharing some details of the recent Grade 10 graduate. He attended St. Brother Andre’s Catholic School and was a member of the Markham Soccer Club. Campaign organizer Shylo Jen Nathalie described Nandoo as an “avid” player and a “natural athlete.”

Nathalie said Nandoo’s other great passion was his dirt bike and mechanics, “More than anything, Cameron was passionate about dirt biking. He spent most of his days on his bike, surrounded by his best friends, listening to his favourite tunes. Before finding this passion, he could be found riding his BMX bike all around town.

He helped at his uncle’s mechanic shop in Brockville and dreamed of moving out there to work as a welder. “He would work towards this dream in his spare time by fixing up cars and taking part in welding competitions,” Natalie wrote.

She also noted he had quite a sweet tooth and would “devour any and all kinds of sugar.”

In the last four days, the fundraiser cracked its $45,000 goal. It now sits at a little more than $46,500 from 87 donors. This includes an anonymous $5,000 single donation. “We would like to thank you all for your support for Cameron’s family, the response has been overwhelming,” Nathalie wrote in an update.

The funds will be used for funeral and memorial costs as well as new, unexpected costs to the family. The family is still in the midst of funeral planning and will share more details as they become available.

Numerous tributes have also been posted to the Go Fund Me page including Alma Weldon who wrote. “I had the privilege of being Cameron’s JK teacher. I loved his smile, and fun-loving personality and we both shared a love of candy, chocolate and sweet treats. He loved baking in class. I will always cherish the memories I have of Cameron. He has always had a special place in my heart. Your family is in my prayers.”

The circumstances of the crash that claimed Nandoo’s life remain under investigation. The driver who collided with Nandoo remained on scene and has co-operated with police. They have not been charged with the crash.

Two days after Nandoo’s death another crash occured at the same intersection when a 71-year-old woman left the roadway. The woman was pronounced dead in hospital shortly after.