GoFundMe Set Up For BC Taekwondo Instructor Nick Major Who Died Of Rabies After Touching Bat

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA. (THECOUNT) — Nick Major, the man who died in B.C.’s first fatal case of rabies in more than 15 years, was a popular taekwondo instructor from Vancouver Island.

Major, 21, went into a coma and died over the weekend after coming into contact with a bat on Vancouver Island in mid-May. His symptoms did not manifest until six weeks later, according to reports.

A family member confirmed a GoFundMe campaign supporting Major’s family in the wake of his passing, but said the family did not wish to speak about it at this time, reports Rock101.

In a Facebook post, Parksville’s Cascadia Martial Arts described Major as “our head instructor and dear friend.”

Comments posted to the company’s page lauded him as “an amazing person who has built so many kids’ confidence,” and “a remarkable and inspiring young man.”

According to Major’s Facebook account, he had attended Parksville Ballenas Secondary School.

Via GoFundME:

It is with profound sadness today that Nick went peacefully in his sleep this morning. Nick was an inspiration to everyone, and his memory will continue to inspire others as we remember him. This was such a shocking and unbelievably devastating loss for Nick’s family. We hope that the funds we have raised can help arrange funerals costs and provide time for his family to grieve. If you are able to provide some further donations, it would be so appreciated. Nick will forever be remembered by all of us.

Geo quick facts: British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, is defined by its Pacific coastline and mountain ranges. Nature areas like Glacier National Park offer hiking and biking trails, as well as campgrounds. Whistler Blackcomb is a major ski resort that hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway links Whistler with Vancouver, a city known for its film industry, at the province’s southern U.S. border – wikipedia.