Scholarship fund created in memory of Connor Dunn

***This story was originally published on SooToday.com***

The Long Live Connor Dunn Memorial Fund has been established to support young athletes and break barriers to sport—in honour of a 15-year-old boy tragically killed in the west end by a suspected drunk driver over Easter weekend.

Police say Connor Dunn was riding an e-bike with a fellow Korah student on the morning of April 20 when it was hit by a pickup truck at Goulais Avenue and Third Line.

His friend sustained serious injuries but survived.

Dunn had a passion for sports and was a part of both the soccer and hockey communities.

The Long Live Connor Dunn Memorial Fund (LLCD) has been established to support young athletes and break barriers to sport.

It includes a new scholarship to support student-athletes on the men’s and women’s varsity hockey teams at Sault College.

In addition, donations made through LLCD.ca will directly help local children participate in organized soccer.

Find the full news release about the Long Live Connor Dunn Memorial Fund below:

Connor Leonard Dunn was just 15 years old when his life was tragically cut short on April 20, 2025. In that very short time, he left a lasting impression on his teammates, peers, friends, coaches, and everyone who knew him. He brought extra lunches for classmates who had less, rescued stray animals, and made sure no one was ever left out. He lit up every room, field, rink, and space he entered. He was a vibrant part of both the soccer and hockey communities, and his impact will never be forgotten.

To honour his spirit and ensure his kindness lives on, the Long Live Connor Dunn Memorial Fund (LLCD) has been established to support young athletes and break barriers to sport.

This is not simply the announcement of a new fund. It is a promise to honour his memory. His life, though far too brief, was filled with empathy, laughter, loyalty, and love. Through the LLCD Fund, which can be found at LLCD.ca, we are committing to ensure his light continues to shine, for generations to come.

The LLCD Fund was created by Connor’s family in partnership with Sault College, KidSport Sault Ste. Marie, and the Sault Youth Soccer Club (SYSC). The mission is simple but profound: We will honour Connor’s values of kindness, inclusion, and a passion for sport, and we will do this, by helping others.

Connor Dunn Memorial Scholarship – Sault College 

A new scholarship has been established to support student-athletes on the men’s and women’s varsity hockey teams at Sault College, helping young players pursue post-secondary education while upholding the values Connor lived every day of leadership, compassion, sportsmanship, and team spirit.

“Sault College is honoured to participate in the Long Live Connor Dunn Fund. This meaningful initiative reflects our shared values of kindness, inclusion, and community support for young athletes. We are proud to join KidSport Sault Ste. Marie and the Sault Youth Soccer Club in carrying forward Connor Dunn’s inspiring legacy,” said David Orazietti, President, Sault College.

Connor Dunn Memorial Fund – KidsSport SSM & Sault Youth Soccer Club

Through a partnership with KidSport, donations made through LLCD.ca will directly assist local children with financial need to participate in organized soccer. KidSport SSM will ensure funds are distributed to youth involved in SYSC and Northern Heights Sports Club.

“While this tribute comes from heartbreaking circumstances, it represents something truly meaningful; a commitment to supporting children in our community through the power of sport. This generous gesture will break down financial barriers and ensure more kids can play, grow, and belong,” said Lauren Signoretti, Chair, KidSport SSM.

The Sault Youth Soccer Club is committed to matching all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000, significantly increasing the fund’s reach and impact. These resources may be used to top up KidSport SSM awards, helping families cover player registration, equipment, or travel costs for tournaments and festivals.

“Connor embodied everything we strive to teach at SYSC; kindness, passion, inclusion, and heart. His loss is deeply felt, but this initiative ensures his legacy lives on by opening doors for others,” said Steve Mazzuca, President, Sault Youth Soccer Club.

A legacy beyond the game

Connor’s family and friends remember him as a young man who gave freely, his time, his laughter, and his heart. He participated in SYSC programs from grassroots to competitive and was a fixture in our hockey community. Whether blasting music in the dressing room or inviting all the kids to his hotel room on tournament weekends, Connor wanted to include everyone.

Connor was spirited, kind, and charismatic, and brought joy to the people around him. He was known for his loud music, inclusive heart, and boundless energy. He was looking forward to getting his driver’s license, starting his first job, and playing another hockey season. He left behind big dreams, and an even bigger impact.

This fund is a tribute to an unforgettable 15-year-old young man who left a profound mark on his community.

“Connor was like a star—he burned so bright and gave so much to others. This fund will allow his light to continue to shine.” – The Dunn Family

How to support

Through the LLCD Fund, Connor’s legacy of inclusion, friendship, and team spirit will guide young athletes for years to come, ensuring his light never fades.

This is about more than sport, it’s about memory, legacy, and love. It’s about reminding ourselves, and promising Connor’s family, that his presence will endure. Through this fund, Connor’s spirit will lift others for generations to come.

To donate, please visit: llcd.ca