Edmonton soccer community mourns man killed in 5-vehicle crash
A prominent member of Edmonton's soccer community was one of two victims in Wednesday's fatal crash in Mill Woods.
Close friends confirmed to CTV News Edmonton that Fiore Manzanillo, 56, was killed in the five-vehicle crash in the city's southside at 50 Street and 34 Avenue.
A 90-year-old woman was also killed in the crash. Police say the woman was driving at a high rate of speed when she ran a red light at 50 Street, slamming into Manzanillo's vehicle.
Friends say Manzanillo, who played as a striker, was known for being a "sparkplug" for the team.
"He was a jokester," said John Contessa. "He always had a smile on his face, just a very fun, fun guy to be around."
Fiore Manzanillo's soccer jersey was draped at the area as team members gathered to remember him (CTV News Edmonton/Sean McClune).
Contessa was his team manager and friend for more than 20 years, who described Manzanillo as a great teammate and incredible father.
"Everybody remembers Fiore," Contessa added. "Fiore's the type of individual that you meet for the first time and never forget. A super fun guy. Always joking.
"An unbelievable guy to have around," he told CTV News Edmonton. "A very positive guy."
Contessa said everyone was shocked to hear of Manzanillo's sudden passing.
"We played with him last Friday. Today we don't have him here."
Fiore Manzanillo and his family (Supplied).
Before the team's soccer match Friday evening, a moment of silence in his honour was observed. The Victoria Masters Soccer League shared an in memoriam post on its website and social media pages.
"Someone so special can never be forgotten," it read. "May your heart and soul find peace and comfort."
Fiore Manzanillo's teammates offer a moment of silence in his honour before their game Friday evening, Sept. 30, 2022 (CTV News Edmonton/Sean McClune).
Stephen Newlands, a fellow team member for 30 years, said Manzanillo always loved pull pranks.
"He was a fun-loving guy," Newlands added. "He played soccer his whole life. He was a real team player."
No charges have been laid as the driver died in the crash. Police are waiting for the results from an autopsy expected next week.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa and Marek Tkach
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca