By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—It has now been over three months since 23-year-old Alex Dalton of Hagersville lost his life in a hit-and-run collision while out for a short ride on his motorcycle, with police continuing to pursue those responsible. In that time, the community has come together to help the family cope with their loss in several ways.
Alex’s parents, Wayne Dalton and Andrea King, took some time to reflect on the loss of their son and the huge outpouring of love they have received in the form of ribbon campaigns, special donuts at Tim Hortons, a fundraiser that has now all but reached its $50,000 goal, and coming up soon, a golf tournament set for August 21-22 at Sandusk Golf Club.
“The last three months have been horrible; just still trying to process and understand why this is happening. We have been holding up as best as possible; family and friends have been great support for us,” said Wayne. “The community support … has been amazing. Seeing the ribbons around Haldimand County makes me smile, but sad at the same time. We want to keep his memory going to help bring these cowards to justice for what they did to him and help bring some closure.”
Andrea feels much the same: “The past three months have been excruciating without Alex in our lives; our whole existence has been altered since his death. I’m still reeling from the nightmare, haunted by the horrific events of that night, sitting on the road helplessly holding onto to my son’s lifeless body for over four hours while the men who did this escaped arrest and the police started to build their case.”
She continued, “I don’t have the capacity to articulate just how devastated we still are; but I can tell you it’s vital that we have justice for Alex. We hover in this surreal limbo, unable to truly move through our grief as we are still very much living this nightmare.”
Wayne spoke about the upcoming tournament, which he called a “chance to bring people together to share in memories of my son and celebrate his life.”
“The community support from local businesses has been absolutely overwhelming. I know these days have been challenging for certain businesses, but they have stepped up and contributed when they didn’t have to. That says a lot,” he said.
All money raised by the tournament will be added to the GoFundMe fundraiser organized by Steve Slack offering a reward for information leading to an arrest: “We are hoping that this money will assist in the investigation to bring people forward with arrestable information. Even when these people are caught, we will continue to keep his memory in the forefront,” said Wayne.
While public details have been scarce regarding the ongoing OPP investigation, Wayne said, “I can’t say anything at this time as I don’t want to hinder their investigation. However, they do keep us informed normally on a weekly basis.”
Although Andrea is grateful for the love and support in response to the loss of Alex, she is unsure of what comes next: “We seek closure for our family, friends, and community. We seek financial support through the GoFundMe in the hope that the funds will result in an arrest and conviction. I’m losing hope though; the fund is already close to $50,000 and the reality is setting in that no amount of money will ever bring justice to my son.”
Those interested in participating, donating, or buying raffle tickets for the many prizes available at the upcoming tournament can send an email to alexdaltongolfdays@gmail.com. Tickets cost $75 and include 18 holes of golf, a cart, a hamburger or hotdog, and a chance to win a door prize.
