Residents of Tumbler Ridge gathered at the local churches for Sunday service, the first since the tragic mass shooting that claimed nine lives in the town.
Those who attended the service at Tumbler Ridge Fellowship Baptist Church described it as more emotional and longer than usual. They came together in prayer, seeking solace for all those affected by the heartbreaking events.
Kyle McKenzie, one of the attendees, expressed the profound sorrow that still lingers in the community. He shared, “There’s a lot of heartbreak and grief, even for myself. I found myself breaking down in tears multiple times, but amidst it all, we found strength in singing, praising the Lord, and lifting up prayers for those impacted by the tragedy.”
Meanwhile, at the New Life Assembly service, Pastor Jim Caruso highlighted the unity and support among Tumbler Ridge residents during this difficult time. He emphasized the town’s strong sense of community, referring to it as a close-knit family that stands together in solidarity.
In a separate gathering over 1,000 kilometers away in Langley, residents mourned the loss of Zoey Benoit, a victim of the Tumbler Ridge shooting who had ties to their city. Langley City Mayor Nathan Pachal acknowledged the profound impact Zoey had on the community, expressing the collective grief and mixed emotions felt by many.
Reflecting on Zoey’s life, her former babysitter, Anna Streibel, fondly remembered her as a spirited and fearless individual. Zoey’s smile, courage, and unwavering determination to stand up for what she believed in left a lasting impression on those who knew her.
Zoey, who attended Blacklock Elementary School in Langley before moving to Tumbler Ridge, was celebrated for her vibrant personality and strong moral compass. Streibel recounted Zoey’s resilience, recounting how she fearlessly defended her loved ones and faced challenges with a sense of humor and positivity.
Streibel expressed the difficulty in coming to terms with Zoey’s untimely passing, underscoring the profound impact of losing someone so young.
It has been a somber week for the community, still reeling from the tragic events that unfolded when an armed teenager took the lives of Zoey’s mother, 11-year-old half-brother, and several others at the local school.