Following the recent tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, a young musician from Vancouver Island is bringing solace through his music amidst the darkness of the week.
Thirteen-year-old Kairo Ellis from Cobble Hill is using his music to send love and support to the affected community, despite not personally knowing the victims of the recent mass shooting. The news deeply affected him, resonating closely with his own experiences of loss.
Moved by the events, Kairo created a tribute video where he performed a heartfelt cover of Zach Bryan’s “Pink Skies,” a song that had previously helped him cope with the loss of a hockey teammate. Understanding the power of music in times of grief, he hoped his rendition could provide some comfort to those affected by the tragedy.
Unexpectedly, Kairo’s tribute videos gained widespread attention, garnering nearly a million views in the days following the shooting. His aim was simple – to show solidarity, support, and love to the grieving families and community during their time of need.
Like many, Kairo was touched by the courageous actions of 12-year-old Maya Gebala, who bravely protected her classmates during the incident and is currently in critical condition. In an effort to send strength and encouragement to Maya, Kairo dedicated another cover, this time of Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange,” which eventually reached Maya’s hospital room, prompting her mother to express gratitude.
In a heartfelt message to Maya, Kairo urged her to keep fighting, emphasizing her strength and resilience. He reminded her of the shared spirit of perseverance found in hockey players and encouraged her to come back to her loved ones.
In the midst of immense sorrow, Kairo hopes that his music can provide a small source of solace and serve as a reminder to the grieving community that they are not alone.
