A number of hundred residents gathered in Langley on Saturday night, lighting candles and inserting flowers to honor the victims of the devastating mass taking pictures in Tumbler Ridge. The occasion paid particular tribute to 12-year-old Zoey Benoit, a former scholar at Blacklock High quality Arts Elementary who grew up within the Decrease Mainland group.
The February 10 tragedy claimed eight lives, six of them youngsters, in considered one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings.
Remembering Zoey Benoit’s Legacy
Zoey attended Blacklock High quality Arts Elementary till Grade 4, in line with Emily Huang, the college’s teacher-librarian. Group members recall her fondly from her childhood years in Langley earlier than her household relocated to Tumbler Ridge in 2023.
Huang shared a poignant poem on the vigil, portraying Zoey as “a burst of life, heat, and a kaleidoscope of colors.” She recited: “Arms all the time raised, generally with out the reply however all the time with the need to study extra … to know extra.”
Zoey’s household described her as “so resilient, vibrant, good, caring and the strongest little lady you may meet,” emphasizing how she introduced laughter and pleasure to these round her. “Our household is devastated by this loss, however we are going to cherish her reminiscences with us so near our hearts eternally,” their assertion concludes.
Unity and Shared Grief at Douglas Park
In Douglas Park, a brief memorial on a raised stage displayed flowers, candles, framed images, and teddy bears. Attendees took turns providing reflections amid flickering lights as nightfall fell.
Organizer Natasha Fisher pressured the vigil’s function in supporting Tumbler Ridge. “Even from miles away, we wish the individuals of Tumbler Ridge to know that they don’t seem to be alone; their grief is shared, their group is supported, their family members are deeply mourned,” she mentioned.
Fisher highlighted the emotional toll on Langley households, notably youngsters related to Zoey. “I do know the youngsters are feeling this deep of their hearts as a lot because the adults are,” she famous. “Could tonight be an area for remembering, even within the darkest moments, mild nonetheless exists in each candle and each coronary heart right here.”
Karelle Broyles attended with private stakes, as her household in Tumbler Ridge contains her nephew’s youngsters who had been on the faculty throughout the taking pictures. “They’ve such large sorrow now, in such a small group,” Broyles mentioned. “And I feel the sorrow that is shared is lightened. It’s a strategy to give individuals a time to come back and grieve and to share within the sorrow, which takes a whole lot of braveness.”
Official Identification of Victims
Authorities recognized the eight victims: six youngsters found inside a highschool—Zoey Benoit, Ticaria Lampert, Abel Mwansa, Ezekiel Schofield, Kylie Smith, and Shannda Aviugana-Durand—plus two adults, Emmett Jacobs and Jennifer Jacobs, present in a close-by dwelling.
Group-Led Solidarity
Langley Metropolis Mayor Nathan Pachal praised the occasion’s grassroots nature. “Persons are grieving, upset and offended; there’s a whole lot of feelings proper now,” he said. “It’s actually essential that we present solidarity with our brothers and sisters and our buddies up north.” Pachal confirmed the vigil was organized fully by residents, with out authorities or organizational involvement.
