Langley Community Comes Together too Commemorate Tumbler Ridge Tragedy Victims
Honoring a Young Life and Shared Grief
On a somber Sunday evening,hundreds of Langley residents gathered to honor the victims of the tragic mass shooting that shook Tumbler Ridge. Among those lost was 12-year-old Zoey Benoit, who spent much of her childhood in Langley before moving with her family in 2023.
Celebrating Zoey’s Vibrant Spirit and Legacy
Zoey was a student at Blacklock Fine Arts Elementary School until Grade 4, where she left a lasting impression on both teachers and peers. Emily Huang, the school’s teacher-librarian, recalled Zoey as “a radiant source of energy and kindness,” always eager to explore new ideas even when faced with challenges.
The community’s deep affection for Zoey was palpable during the vigil held at Douglas Park. Attendees lit candles around floral arrangements and framed photos placed on an elevated platform while sharing touching stories and poems that reflected her joyful nature.
The Far-Reaching Effects of Tragedy on Tight-Knit Communities
The February 10 shooting claimed eight lives-including six children-making it one of Canada’s most devastating mass shootings in recent history. The emotional impact has extended beyond Tumbler Ridge itself, resonating strongly among families connected through friendships or kinship across British Columbia.
Karelle Broyles shared her personal ties to those affected; with relatives living in Tumbler Ridge-some children present during the attack-she emphasized how collective mourning can provide comfort amid overwhelming sorrow.
A Unified Message Across Distances
Natasha Fisher, one organizer behind Langley’s vigil, expressed that their gathering aimed to demonstrate solidarity despite physical separation: “Though miles apart from Tumbler Ridge right now, we share their pain deeply.Our hearts grieve alongside theirs.” Many local families feel this loss intensely due to close connections with Zoey and other victims.
Grassroots Healing: Community-Led Support Initiatives
This memorial event was entirely grassroots-driven without formal involvement from government agencies or institutions. Mayor Nathan Pachal underscored it’s significance as an emblem of unity: “People are grappling with grief mixed with anger; standing together is essential for healing.” The vigil created space for communal reflection-a crucial step toward recovery after such trauma.
The Human stories Behind Headlines: Remembering Every Victim
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed all eight victims included six children found inside their high school-Zoey Benoit along with Ticaria Lampert,Abel Mwansa,Ezekiel Schofield,kylie Smith,and Shannda Aviugana-Durand-and two adults discovered nearby at a residence. This tragedy has left an enduring scar on both communities involved.
“zoey showed strength beyond her years – bright, compassionate – bringing joy wherever she went,” stated her family through an official message released by authorities. “Though our hearts are shattered by this loss today we will forever cherish these precious memories.”
A Light Amidst Darkness: Hope Through Remembrance
Despite profound grief enveloping both towns as February’s tragedy-the candlelit vigils stand as powerful symbols that hope persists within every flickering flame held by those who remember. mass shooting
