Surrey hockey mom not expected to survive arena attack

A 53-year-old hockey mom who was brutally assaulted while waiting to pick up her son in an arena parking lot in Surrey, B.C., Sunday night, is not expected to survive the attack, police say.

The womanwas discovered unconscious in theNewton Arena parking lot around 9:30 p.m. PT Sunday.

"The investigation revealed a female had been attacked and suffered serious injuries and is not expected to survive," RCMP said Monday in a release.

A Surrey hockey coach who knows the family told CBC News the attack was an attempted robbery gone wrong and the woman is in hospital on life support with her husband at her side, but she is not expected to survive.

"This woman is so nice it's just ridiculous. So many people in our association know this family and what this family is all about," said coach Darwyn Shawara.

"This is crazy, whoever did this, this is ridiculous, this is just crazy," he said.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the investigation on Monday morning and blocked off a large area of the parking lot while they search for clues.

"Due to the circumstances of this tragic incident,we are asking the public to be extra vigilant," RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet said in a news release.

"It is important that people are aware of their surroundings when they are out and that they keep their valuables concealed. Walk with a friend whenever possible, particularly after dark."

The recreation facilities remain open to the public while the investigation is underway.

Google Maps: Newton Arena