We are all utterly heartbroken. That is the only way to describe how this community is feeling right now in the wake of such tragic news.
As word quickly spread throughout the region of a horrifying incident in Lund where two young men were shot and killed at a home on Scotch Place early on the morning of Saturday, June 17, the ripple effects that spread through Powell River region became immediately apparent. A hushed, cautious tone set in on our area as all of the normal small-town chatter quickly turned to total disbelief and shock.
Details of who, why and how, all questions journalists are trained to answer, at once seemed secondary to trying to cope with unbelievably difficult questions and unbearable loss.
Everyone has a job to do, but when tragedies like this happen in a small community it is absolutely crushing, and it makes us stop and contemplate what is most important.
The Peak made the editorial decision to respect the families’ wishes for privacy in this matter by not releasing names of the victims until they came from an official source. Court documents now tell us who the young men were, and our hope is that waiting for a period of time provided some relief to the families.
It is comforting to hope in our hearts that the decision we made was also helpful for our community. Nothing is more important right now than supporting those affected by this most unfortunate event.
We cannot imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of all of the young men involved in the shooting, including the suspect who is in custody, are going through right now. We can only support them in their grieving and be sure to take care of ourselves while doing so. We will also gain strength by sticking together.
For those of you who knew the young men who were killed and had personal interactions with them, focus in on those memories, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, and remember the light they had. Try to imagine how that same light can survive in our memories. Take a deep breath and attempt to move forward.
Cherish your loved ones, reach out to those who are hurting, offer an ear or outstretched arms and never forget how lucky we are to be here. When we are ready, the healing will begin. We will get through this. We have to.
Rest in peace, Braxton and Dylan.
Jason Schreurs, publisher/editor
