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
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Auston Matthews returns for Game 7, but Leafs minus injured goaltender Joseph Woll
Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews returned to the lineup for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.