Jean ‘Raas’ Louis killed in Burlington crash

Decorated St. Lucian cyclist Jean Louis competes in the Cyclemania in the Castries City Circuit in 1986 or 1987. Louis, who was killed in a collision on Oct. 17 in Burlington, was the leader of the Courts Raleigh Jean Raas Bandits in Action for that event. (Supplied)

Decorated cyclist Jean ‘Raas’ Louis honed his sport on the paths and roadways of his two homes, in St. Lucia and Canada. It was on one of those roads that he took his last breath.

On Oct. 17, at around 6:30 a.m., Louis was riding his bike to work on Appleby Line, near Harvester Road, in Burlington when he was struck by the driver of a vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Louis, who was 67, is predeceased by his ex-wife, Daniella Theophilus, and leaves behind two sons, Jeanaky Ferdinand and Mario Dumerville, four siblings, Francis, Annette, Daniel, and Ann-Marie, as well as several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

Born in Martinique, Louis lived in St. Lucia for many years before coming to Canada more than 30 years ago, settling first in Brantford and more recently in Burlington.

Back home, he was a well-known national cycling star, who won numerous prestigious road races, most notably the inaugural three-stage Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Cycling Championships in 1987 and the National Day Ovaltine Cycling Championship in 1989.

In Canada, he continued to cycle almost daily and trained extensively, even occasionally competing in cycling races.

Louis was known to many as “Raas,” a nickname he took decades ago in honour of Dutch former professional cyclist Jan Raas, whom he admired and drew inspiration from. Raas was known for his tact, powerful sprinting, and attack style, which Louis also espoused, close friend and fellow cyclist Henry Mangal told CP24.

Louis, whom Mangal called a leader in St. Lucia’s cycling community, excelled in longer races, hill climbs, and time trials. Mangal said his dear friend was known for his endurance, discipline, focus, and commitment.

“Jean could really turn a bit gear… He was a real powerhouse in cycling,” he said.

“I would call him the diesel engine of cycling in St. Lucia. It might start slow but when it gets going, nothing can keep up with it.”

Mangal, who since 2022 has served as the Consul General of Saint Lucia to Canada in Toronto, knew Louis for many years and considered him a mentor as he got him into cycling. Mangal and Louis, along with Mangal’s four siblings, would often ride, train, and even compete together.

“Jean actually brought me up. He took care of me. He made sure I had a bike and equipment, and he did the same things for others, as well,” said Mangal, who had lived in the same area of St. Lucia’s capital city of Castries as Louis.

“He helped me make it to the national team in 1983.”

Louis’ love for the sport never waned and he followed it closely even from afar, his heartbroken brother Daniel Louis told CP24.

Speaking with CP24 from his home in Florida, Daniel, who is a talented cyclist in his own right having been the first and only cyclist named St. Lucia’s Sportsman of the Year in 1985, said he and his older brother chatted frequently, often about the sport.

He said they had plans to meet up next September in Montreal to attend the 2026 UCI Road World Championships. One of Louis’ favourite professional cyclists, Tadej Pogačar, of Slovenia, is expected to compete in that prestigious event.

Aside from being a gifted cyclist and a devout fan of the sport, Louis was also a great supporter of emerging cyclists in St. Lucia and was always willing to provide funds to give them a helping hand, Daniel said.

Louis was also the “patriarch” of his family and had worked hard to support his four siblings after their parents passed away several years ago, said his brother.

‘This all still feels unreal’

Known for being charismatic, kind, and generous and for his big laugh, Louis was “hilarious and always made people smile,” said Daniel, who had just spoken with his brother the day before he died.

“This all still feels unreal, like a dream, that it hasn’t happened,” shared Daniel, who added that Louis’s death has also sent shockwaves throughout the “entire” Caribbean.

“Jean was well-loved in St. Lucia and throughout the OECS.”

For now, Daniel said he’s focused on getting answers about what happened to his sibling and seeking the justice he deserves.

Down the line, he said he plans to organize a memorial race back home in St. Lucia for Louis, who will be buried in Canada for now.

Mangal said St. Lucia is happy to assist with any of those efforts.

Ghost bike ride, installation held for Louis

Last Saturday afternoon, members of the local cycling community held a ghost bike ride in Louis’ honour during which they placed a memorial white bike near the spot where he was killed.

Mangal, along with a few of Louis’ close friends, attended the moving gathering and shared a few words.

“Jean did a lot for cycling in St. Lucia. He was a true role model,” Mangal, whose brother Cyril is the president of the St. Lucia Cycling Association, said during a recent interview with CP24.

“I don’t think there’s anybody that can say anything bad about him.”

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Halton Regional Police Service said the driver involved in the collision that killed Louis remained at the scene. At this time, no charges have been laid. The investigation in ongoing.