Tragic Loss at Horseshoe Bay: 4-Year-Old Leonardo Machado Killed in Bus Accident, Mother in ICU

By CJ Lacaba

West Vancouver, B.C. — A devastating accident at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal on May 28 has taken the life of 4-year-old Leonardo Machado and left his mother, Silvana Machado, in critical condition. The tragedy has shaken the community and prompted an outpouring of support, and a call for compassion, from the grieving father.

According to West Vancouver police, a transit bus veered off its path and struck a pedestrian waiting area near the terminal entrance. Emergency crews responded swiftly, but Leonardo succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His mother was rushed to a Vancouver hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in intensive care.

Leonardo’s father, Clineu Machado, is being remembered not only for his strength in the face of unimaginable loss but also for his compassion. A.J. Caridi, co-owner of AJ’s Brooklyn Pizza Joint in East Vancouver where Clineu has worked as a pizza chef for the past four years, said his friend’s response to the tragedy reflects the depth of his character.

“The grieving father’s request exemplifies his kind-hearted nature,” said Caridi. “That’s who he is. Since this unfathomable tragedy occurred, he’s just not a blame person, you know. As he said to my wife, ‘Can we learn from this? Can we take a terrible tragedy and improve other lives?’”

“Love and care and kindness,” Caridi added. “Maybe, especially given this day and time, maybe it’s a thing for all of us to remember, right?”

Clineu’s heartfelt message was shared on a GoFundMe page created by Caridi’s wife, Theresa Morrison. The fundraiser has already raised over $120,000 to help the family cover funeral, transportation, and medical costs. On the page, Clineu also asked people to keep Silvana in their prayers. 

In a statement, TransLink extended its condolences:
“Our deepest condolences go out to the Machado family and all those affected by the tragic loss near the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal last week. We are utterly heartbroken by this tragedy.

The transit authority also acknowledged Leonardo’s love of transit:
“Through his father’s words, shared on the GoFundMe, we have now learned that the young victim had a deep love for transit. He adored riding the bus and learning about the system. TransLink wants to acknowledge and express our appreciation of the family’s thoughtful request to show kindness to transit operators during this time.”

West Vancouver police say the incident remains under investigation. Sgt. Chris Bigland stated Tuesday that there were no further updates available while police prioritize “the privacy and well-being of the victims and the integrity of the investigation.”

The Horseshoe Bay tragedy has brought a wave of grief, but also a renewed sense of community and compassion, led by a father who, even in his sorrow, is calling on the public to respond with love.

To support the Machado family, donations can be made at the GoFundMe page by searching “Leonardo Machado Horseshoe Bay.”