Jim McKenny’s daughter killed in car accident
Posted October 20, 2013 8:59 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The daughter of former Toronto Maple Leaf and CityNews sportscaster Jim McKenny has tragically been killed in a car accident in Australia.
Mia Valentine died on Saturday following a crash near her home in Brisbane.
Long-time friend and former co-worker CityNews anchor Gord Martineau said he learned the news Sunday morning.
“I found out this morning when Jim, or Howie as we know him best, called me and gave me the bad news,” he explained. “I am as upset as anyone else.”
Martineau said McKenny and his wife Christine are now on their way to Australia.
“Howie loved his children, his son Jason and his daughter Mia,” said Martineau. “Having one of them taken away has just been devastating to him and Christine.”
McKenny, who was born in Ottawa, spent 10 years in the NHL as a defenceman and winger with the Leafs and the Minnesota North Stars before joining the CityNews team in 1984, where he worked for 25 years.
“Jim was part of our City family for many years and was loved by everyone so we are all very upset about this,” said Martineau.
He added that the thoughts and prayers of the entire CityNews staff are with McKenny and his wife right now.
Police have released very little information about the crash.
If you’d like to send your condolences to McKenny and his family please leave them in the comments below.
UPDATED (OCT. 28, 2013). A trust fund has been set up to support the family of Mia Valentine. Details below.
Donations can be mailed to:
The Valentine Fund
TD Canada Trust
201 Portage Ave, PO Box 986
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 2T2
Or at any local TD branch to The Valentine Fund #6330 Account #5308145
