Prank killed dad: Family
By Jenny Yuen, Toronto Sun
First posted: Monday, August 01, 2016 09:11 PM EDT | Updated: Monday, August 01, 2016 09:59 PM EDT
A family is blaming a ding-dong in the night for the death of a man.
Jessica Richardson said her family is reeling after someone played nicky-nicky nine doors at their Bradford home early last Tuesday, allegedly causing her 50-year-old father, Rodrique, to have a fatal heart attack.
The Bradford family woke up to loud banging and the ringing of their doorbell around 2 a.m.
After Jessica’s mother, Stephanie, watched her husband come back inside after investigating, he collapsed to the ground with his eyes open.
“He was gasping for air,” Jessica, 22, told the Toronto Sun. “It was like he was having convulsions. I was already on the phone with 911 and ran outside to see if I could see who rang the doorbell (but) the streets were empty.”
For 20 minutes, Jessica performed CPR on her dad until first responders arrived. He was rushed to hospital with no vital signs and died.
“We’ve lived here in Bradford 20 years and it happens all the time,” said Jessica. “It’s common for this road for teens and children to do pranks like this, vandalize property and breaking into cars. We think this happened because of the very populated area, kids being bored.”
South Simcoe Police confirmed they attended the scene, but said since the incident is listed as a “sudden death,” officers closed the investigation.
“There’s nothing to suggest (criminal harassment),” said acting sergeant Debbie Smith. “I know the family is not happy, but there’s no ongoing investigation. Families sometimes want different answers than what police can give them. It was investigated, but it was treated as a sudden death and nothing suspicious.”
Rodrique celebrated his last birthday — on July 25 — the day before he died. He had open heart surgery six years ago, but his daughter described him as “strong, healthy and active.” He frequently went for check-ups.
Rodrique’s funeral was held Saturday at Skwarchuk Funeral Home in Bradford. Though the family is in mourning, they posted a sign on their lawn to bring awareness to the prank.
“What you think is a prank is not to the people you play it to!” the sign reads. “As a result of the violent way you woke my husband, you caused him to have a heart attack and he died ... Our life’s (sic) have been changed forever because of your ignorance!”
jyuen@postmedia.com
Rodrique Richardson (SUPPLIED PHOTO)
Prank killed dad: Family | Home | Toronto Sun
By Jenny Yuen, Toronto Sun
First posted: Monday, August 01, 2016 09:11 PM EDT | Updated: Monday, August 01, 2016 09:59 PM EDT
A family is blaming a ding-dong in the night for the death of a man.
Jessica Richardson said her family is reeling after someone played nicky-nicky nine doors at their Bradford home early last Tuesday, allegedly causing her 50-year-old father, Rodrique, to have a fatal heart attack.
The Bradford family woke up to loud banging and the ringing of their doorbell around 2 a.m.
After Jessica’s mother, Stephanie, watched her husband come back inside after investigating, he collapsed to the ground with his eyes open.
“He was gasping for air,” Jessica, 22, told the Toronto Sun. “It was like he was having convulsions. I was already on the phone with 911 and ran outside to see if I could see who rang the doorbell (but) the streets were empty.”
For 20 minutes, Jessica performed CPR on her dad until first responders arrived. He was rushed to hospital with no vital signs and died.
“We’ve lived here in Bradford 20 years and it happens all the time,” said Jessica. “It’s common for this road for teens and children to do pranks like this, vandalize property and breaking into cars. We think this happened because of the very populated area, kids being bored.”
South Simcoe Police confirmed they attended the scene, but said since the incident is listed as a “sudden death,” officers closed the investigation.
“There’s nothing to suggest (criminal harassment),” said acting sergeant Debbie Smith. “I know the family is not happy, but there’s no ongoing investigation. Families sometimes want different answers than what police can give them. It was investigated, but it was treated as a sudden death and nothing suspicious.”
Rodrique celebrated his last birthday — on July 25 — the day before he died. He had open heart surgery six years ago, but his daughter described him as “strong, healthy and active.” He frequently went for check-ups.
Rodrique’s funeral was held Saturday at Skwarchuk Funeral Home in Bradford. Though the family is in mourning, they posted a sign on their lawn to bring awareness to the prank.
“What you think is a prank is not to the people you play it to!” the sign reads. “As a result of the violent way you woke my husband, you caused him to have a heart attack and he died ... Our life’s (sic) have been changed forever because of your ignorance!”
jyuen@postmedia.com
Rodrique Richardson (SUPPLIED PHOTO)
Prank killed dad: Family | Home | Toronto Sun
