One of the victims of the Tumbler Ridge shootings was a former Langley student, and local schools are reaching out to children and families who may have known her.
A letter from John Hantke, principal at H.D. Stafford Middle School, was sent to parents and guardians on Thursday, Feb. 12.
“School staff learned today that one of the students that died in the Tumbler Ridge tragedy may have been a former classmate of your child. Some students were made aware through their peers and social media,” Hantke wrote.
Counselling supports were made available at the school for any children who were impacted, and additional support was available as needed, he wrote.
“As a compassionate and caring community, we ask for families to please have a conversation with their child about this,” Hantke wrote.
The confirmation comes as word has spread online in the last two days that one of the students killed in Tumbler Ridge was a former Blacklock Fine Arts Elementary student. The Langley Advance Times is not identifying the victim until their name can be confirmed.
Meanwhile, local residents Tasha Heart and Karelle Broyles are organizing a vigil in memory of all those killed in Tumbler Ridge.
“This tragedy has touched close to home,” said the Facebook event posting. “Among the lives taken was a former Langley resident whose life mattered deeply and whose loss is felt here as well. As a community, we gather to honour her memory and the memories of all those lost — to hold space for grief, to offer compassion, and to remind one another of the strength found in coming together.”
The event is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 15 in Langley City’s Douglas Park, with people beginning to arrive at 5 p.m., and a moment of silence at 6 p.m.
In wake of the Tumbler Ridge shooting, many support services are available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 310-Mental Health Support at 310-6789; Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868; Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988; KUU-US (Indigenous) Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717; Métis Crisis Line: 1-833-638-4722; Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868.
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