Demanding Justice in the Face of Tragedy

A heartbroken family from Richmond is pushing for answers from Canada's judicial system after a devastating turn of events saw charges dismissed against a driver involved in their father's fatal crash. The collision occurred in 2019 at the Peace Arch border and claimed the life of Rev. Tom Cheung, a beloved pastor and father.

A Call for Accountability

On May 9, 2023, the Cheung family held a press conference at Continental Seafood Restaurant, voicing their frustrations and the perceived injustices of the legal system over the past six years. Widow Athens Cheung, alongside her sons, Benjamin and Solomon, and local political figures, gathered to shed light on their ongoing ordeal.

A Deadly Crash that Changed Everything

On that fateful day in May 2019, Tom Cheung's minivan was smashed by a speeding Porsche traveling at an astonishing 120 km/h in a 30 km/h zone, driven by Washington state resident Gurbinder Singh. The family felt a mix of grief and disbelief when, in 2020, dangerous driving charges were recommended against Singh, only for the case to take a shocking turn.

Justice Denied: Charges Dismissed

Fast forward to April 17, 2025, and the charges against Singh were unexpectedly dismissed by Justice Daniel Weatherly, claiming Singh had experienced a "psychotic episode" during the crash. The Cheung family, still reeling from the loss, reported that they received no written explanation for the ruling, leaving them in a haze of confusion and frustration.

Fight for Transparency and Reforms

Athens expressed disbelief at how this treatment has left both her family and the public feeling neglected and uninformed. "Is this fair? Is it just? Do we not deserve answers?" she questioned. Efforts to secure basic legal documents related to the case were met with barriers, amplifying their sense of injustice.

Public Support Rising

In an effort to rally support, the Cheung family launched an online petition, which quickly gathered over 5,000 signatures in just 30 hours. They hope to bring attention to what they view as an inadequate ruling and urge for necessary reviews and reforms in both the judicial and mental health systems, particularly concerning how licenses are issued.

A Personal Plea From the Family

Solomon Cheung recounts the agony of that day, calling it the "worst day" of his life. "We waited six years, hoping our justice system would build a solid case for us, especially given that my father's death occurred in a highly monitored area," he said. Changes to the police officers and lawyers handling their case added to their feeling of being brushed aside.

Mental Health Concerns Raised

Solomon has criticized the Mental Health Act, calling it a facade that fails to protect victims and instead serves as a shield for offenders. He vows to ensure that his father's story remains alive, urging anyone who has faced similar loss to understand they are not alone in their struggle for justice.

Together for Change

As the Cheung family continues their fight for answers, they hope to inspire public discourse on the failures they see in the system and advocate for essential reforms. Their journey is not just about seeking justice for Tom Cheung but also about protecting future victims and their families from similar pain.