Hamilton cadet leader left 'immobile' in 'devastating' attack by woman and boy
Now, Captain Kunkel lies in a Hamilton hospital unable to walk. His recovery will be long and agonizing, his son said.
Author of the article:Brad Hunter
Published Nov 05, 2026 • Last updated 9 hours ago • 3 minute read
LIFE OF SERVICE: Captain Kenneth Kunkel was gravely injured in an attack in Hamilton during the annual poppy drive. SUBMITTED
LIFE OF SERVICE: Captain Kenneth Kunkel was gravely injured in an attack in Hamilton during the annual poppy drive. Photo by SUBMITTED PHOTO
Captain Kenneth Kunkel was utterly dedicated to his young Air Cadets and was their de facto papa bear.
A friend, a confidant, a career coach, an inspiration.
Now, the 59-year-old grandfather is non-ambulatory (unable to walk) and fighting to return to a normal life after allegedly being attacked by a 12-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman named Estela Quintanilla.
Kunkel and his cadets were distributing poppies on Sunday at Hamilton’s Centre Mall when two youths began blowing an air horn into the kids’ ears. Kunkel chased the young thugs into the Mandarin restaurant, where Quintanilla allegedly tripped him.
Victim lost mobility in legs
“My father went to the scene to de-escalate and ensure the police could apprehend the duo, but Estela Quintanilla (allegedly) intervened and attacked him – impacting his spine, which caused his legs to buckle and immediately lose function,” his son Christopher Kunkel told The Toronto Sun.
He added: “What happened is beyond words.”
ACCUSED ATTACKER: Estela Quintanilla. (FACEBOOK)
ACCUSED ATTACKER: Estela Quintanilla. (FACEBOOK)
That rendered the Canadian Armed Forces veteran immobile, offering the boy an opportunity to repeatedly punch him as he lay helpless on the ground. The boy and Quintanilla fled the scene and were later arrested.
“My father was telling bystanders that he needed help and could not move his legs,” Christopher Kunkel said.
Now, Captain Kunkel lies in a Hamilton hospital unable to walk. His recovery will be long and agonizing, his son said.
‘The damage is severe’
“My father received same-day spinal surgery and is undergoing rehabilitation to restore mobility, but the damage is severe, and he cannot walk for the foreseeable future,” his son, an armed forces veteran, said.
“After an unforgettable Halloween evening where he walked his four grandchildren around the neighbourhood to visit friends and neighbours, we are decimated by the senseless attack that may have forever robbed four kids of their grandfather’s playful, loving tendencies.”
Captain Kenneth Kunkel and one of his beloved grandchildren.
Captain Kenneth Kunkel and one of his beloved grandchildren.
Kenneth Kunkel is the commanding officer of 826 Gryphon Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, responsible for the safety and well-being of the teenagers. At the time of the vicious assault, the youths were volunteering their time to raise funds for the Royal Canadian Legion poppy drive.
He had been helping cadets for nearly 20 years, his son said.
“These cadets were serving their community and now he’s unable to walk because of this. This violence has cost our family dearly,” Christopher Kunkel said, adding that his dad inspired him to enter the armed forces and serve his country.
Community response has been ‘heartwarming’
“Even as he got older, my father would physically prepare for weeks in advance so he could train with cadets and be a role model as they underwent fitness evaluations as part of the cadet program,” his son said.
Many of his former cadets chose a life of service in the military, the cops or the RCMP, he added.
The only silver lining for the family has been the outpouring of love and care from the community, his son said, calling it “heartwarming. I’m grateful for the response; it’s been incredible.”
THE ADULT? Estela Quintanilla allegedly took part in the attack on cadet leader, Captain Kenneth Kunkle. linkedin
THE ADULT? Estela Quintanilla allegedly took part in the attack on cadet leader, Captain Kenneth Kunkle. (Linkedin)
The wounded warrior has four grandchildren who have also been devastated by the senseless attack. They have taken it hard.
But along with the prayers, there has rightly been white-hot rage over the attack. Rage at a kiddie justice system that will tap the young attacker on the wrist. Kunkle was surprised the boy was even charged.
“It gets down to accountability and basic respect,” the son said.
Don Cherry wears a Remembrance Day poppy at his home in Mississauga, Friday Nov. 8, 2024.
Don Cherry wears a Remembrance Day poppy at his home in Mississauga, Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Photo by Joe Warmington /Toronto Sun
He pointed the finger at social media and the flurry of TikTok videos where petulant pranksters blow air horns into the ears of unsuspecting victims.
“I believe that’s the root cause and a general state of disrespect,” Christopher Kunkle told the Sun. “I just hope this Remembrance Day the young and old take a moment of silence. Some people have forgotten respect.”
GoFundMe has been established
He added: “I want to thank all of the detectives and police personnel who responded to my father’s assault and wish all Veterans and current Service Members a memorable and peaceful Remembrance Day.”
Quintanilla’s social media profiles say she attended Mohawk College and works for an apartment rental company. Her employer did not return a message left by the Sun as to her current status.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the family. You can donate here. So far, $26,000 of the $30,000 goal has been raised.
bhunter@postmedia.com
@HunterTOSun
Hi everyone, My name is Selina and I am a close friend of the famil… Selina P needs your support for One Act of Violence. A Family's Life Changed Forever.
gofundme.com
Information regarding the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program.
canada.ca
The grandfather is non-ambulatory after allegedly being attacked by a 12-year-old boy and a 48-year-old woman. Read on.
torontosun.com
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