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VIDEO: Plasma drive honours Kelowna teen homicide victim 1 year later

Tristan Seeger died in hospital following a hit-and-run
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Paule Seeger (centre) stands with friends after making a plasma donation in Kelowna in memory of her son Tristan on Oct. 21, 2024.

October 22 marks one year since 15-year-old Tristan Seeger died in Kelowna General Hospital after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run the day before. 

Seeger's mom Paule organized two days for group plasma donations at the Kelowna clinic on Oct. 21 and 22 in memory of the teen. 

"Tristan meant something in this world," Paule said after making a donation on Oct. 21. She said over the two days friends and family had booked 22 appointments to donate.

"Today, when I was really sad and my heart was really heavy I was surrounded by people who love me."

It was blood and plasma donations that kept Seeger alive in hospital long enough for friends and family to come say goodbye. 

Paule said her son had gone into cardiac arrest when she first arrived at the hospital, but thanks to the medical staff and plasma donations it wasn't her last memory of Seeger.

Instead, Paule said her final memories of the teen include, "knowing the doctors did everything they could, being able to call some of Tristan's friends and family, and saying our goodbyes and letting it kind of be a beautiful moment."

Seeger's father Jason also donated plasma. Jason said Seeger would be proud. 

Plasma and blood donations can continue to be made in Seeger's memory. Go to blood.ca and join the Partners for Life group In Memory of Tristan Seeger. Paule is hoping to have 100 donations made in her son's name before the end of the year. 

In relation to the homicide death of Seeger, 30-year-old Brandon Kazakoff was arrested and charged on Sept. 6, for dangerous driving causing death, failure to stop or remain at the scene of an accident and assault with a weapon. He was released with conditions on Sept. 9. 

Kazakoff will be back in Provincial Court on Nov. 7. 



Brittany Webster

About the Author: Brittany Webster

I am a video journalist based in Kelowna and capturing life in the Okanagan
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