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
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
Canada, G7 urge 'all parties' to de-escalate in growing Mideast conflict
Canada called for 'all parties' to de-escalate rising tensions in the Mideast following an apparent Israeli drone attack against Iran overnight.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.
After COVID, WHO defines disease spread 'through air'
The World Health Organization and around 500 experts have agreed for the first time on what it means for a disease to spread through the air, in a bid to avoid the confusion early in the COVID-19 pandemic that some scientists have said cost lives.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.