School board mourns loss of 3 students in domestic violence attack, offers support
As Sault Ste. Marie deals with shock, the Algoma District School Board is offering support to families following the tragic loss of three students in a domestic violence murder-suicide.
The children -- ages 6, 7 and 12 -- who were fatally shot attended Boreal French Immersion Public School and Superior Heights Collegiate & Vocational School.
"Counsellors and support staff have been put in place at schools impacted by this tragedy," the school board director of education Lucia Reece said in a statement emailed to CTV News.
"Families at impacted sites will be receiving information later today on how to access additional supports. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by this tragic incident."
- Download the CTV News app now and get local alerts on your device
- Get local breaking news and updates sent to your email inbox
- Want more local news? Check out the Sault Ste. Marie page
The school board is asking people to minimize calls to the school during this time.
ONLINE CONDOLENCES POUR IN
In the wake of the fatal shootings Monday night, Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker said on social media, "There are no words to adequately address such a tremendous loss as our community has experienced."
"I extend our community's collective condolences and support to the family and loved ones of the victims. Together, as a community, we stand with them and with our brave first responders," Shoemaker said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"We grieve with them as we try to reckon with this inconceivable act of violence. Sault Ste. Marie is a strong and caring community, and I encourage people to look out for one another and offer support during this incredibly challenging time."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered his prayers to those affected by the news.
"The news out of Sault Ste. Marie is gut-wrenching," Ford said in a post on X.
"This senseless loss of life has left family, friends and an entire community grieving. You are in my prayers. All of Ontario mourns this tragedy."
Sault Ste. Marie MP Terry Sheehan expressed grief on social media.
"Our hearts are broken in Sault Ste. Marie," Sheehan said.
"Children who had a bright future ahead of them. Families shattered by intimate partner violence. This is tragic for our community. Thoughts and prayers."
SUPPORT AVAILABLE
Support is available for people experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence. In an emergency, call 911.
- Assaulted Women's Helpline 1-866-863-0511
- Fem'aide Helpline 1-877-336-2433
- Talk4Healing for Indigenous women 1-855-554-4325
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING 3 injured after man with knife enters Montreal-area Islamic cultural centre
Three men were injured after a man armed with a knife entered a Montreal-area Islamic cultural centre Friday afternoon.
Teen arrested in New Brunswick after emergency alert; 5 people in custody
A 15-year-old boy who was the subject of an emergency alert in New Brunswick has been arrested.
Police arrest 18-year-old woman who allegedly stole Porsche and ran over its owner
Police have arrested an 18-year-old woman who allegedly stole a Porche and then ran over its owner in an incident that was captured on video.
Woman nearly shut out of mother's estate sues brother in B.C. Supreme Court – and wins
Since she was a young girl growing up in Vancouver, Ginny Lam says her mom Yat Hei Law made it very clear she favoured her son William, because he was her male heir.
Parents of Ontario teen sue alleged poison salesman Kenneth Law
The parents of a teenager who died after allegedly consuming the poisonous products of a Mississauga man are now suing him, as well as several doctors involved in her care.
11-year-old boy dies after subway surfing in NYC
An 11-year-old boy died Monday after subway surfing in New York City. He's the fourth person to die from subway surfing in the city this year.
'We're still pushing hard': Search for missing Manitoba boy continues, RCMP find tracks
The search for a missing six-year-old boy in Shamattawa is continuing Friday as RCMP hope recent tips can help lead to a happy conclusion.
Recall issued for 38,000 GM vehicles in Canada over software safety glitch
Transport Canada has issued a recall for 38,000 General Motors (GM) vehicles for safety risks related to a software glitch, the agency reported in a notice on Wednesday.
Top Hezbollah commander among 12 killed in Israeli strike on Beirut
Israel killed a top Hezbollah commander and other senior figures in the Lebanese movement in an airstrike on Beirut on Friday, vowing to press on with a new military campaign until it is able to secure the area around the Lebanese border.