The community of Upper Big Tracadie, in Nova Scotia’s Guysborough County, continues to grieve the loss of four people found dead inside a home.
Ten-year-old Aaliyah Desmond, her mother Shanna Desmond, her father Lionel Desmond and grandmother, Brenda Desmond, were all found dead Tuesday evening.
It appears Lionel, a military veteran struggling with PTSD, killed his entire family before turning the gun on himself.
On Thursday, the school Aaliyah attended brought in grief counsellors to help staff and children deal with the loss of the little girl.
“A typical 10-year-old, with a beautiful smile that lit up the room,” said Guysborough Academy Principal Barbara Avery. “She will be dearly missed.”
She says the situation is difficult to explain, especially to young children.
“The student’s classmates, they did have a circle and they discussed ways that they could remember the student, and then decorated the desk with momentos and ways of remembering,” said Avery.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil has vowed to investigate the mental health care provided to Lionel Desmond.
“I think if you've got a heartbeat and are alive today, you have empathy for this family and this community,” said McNeil.
Even those trained in guiding grief say they are at a loss for words.
“This is a very, very fresh, I don't know how to call it, and none of us understand this,” said United Baptist Church Pastor Moses Adekola.
Rev. Adekola travelled from New Glasgow to offer the family support.
“Most of the time when something like this happens, we shift all the blame to God, without thinking that there is another power that is contrary to God's wish,” said Adekola.
Communities in Guysborough County have lowered the Canadian flag in memory of the family.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kayla Hounsell
