'The toll is immense': Vigil held for lives lost in Moncton

There has been a lot of pain, tragedy and grief on the streets of Moncton this year.

Dozens gathered at Victoria Park late Wednesday afternoon for an emotional ceremony to remember those experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction who died in 2024.

“Right now, we have about 45 individuals that we know of and 60 per cent of those are from accident overdose deaths,” said Shannon Barry, senior director of outreach services for the YMCA of Greater Moncton.

Keisha Daley, a peer support worker at Ensemble Greater Moncton, said it was important for her to be at the vigil because she lost a couple of friends last year.

“It’s a sin. It’s really a sin. You lose that many people in just one year and all you have left of them is a picture,” said Daley. “You’re used to seeing them every day and then you go from seeing them every day to not seeing them at all.”

Trevor Dobson is unhoused and has been living in Moncton for about a year.

He said he didn’t know those who died very well, but he did see them around.

“I have sorrow in my heart for a lot of them because they were pretty good guys and pretty good girls,” said Dobson.

Musician Jeremy Reid performed at a vigil in Moncton on Dec. 18, 2024. (Source: Derek Haggett/CTV News Atlantic)

It’s not just those who are struggling on the streets that are feeling the grief; it’s also frontline workers who do everything they can to help them.

Dan Brooks, executive director of the John Howard Society of Southeast New Brunswick, said those who died were members of the community.

“Even in the most trying of circumstances, they’re someone’s child, someone’s sibling, someone’s friend and for many here they profoundly became part of our lives,” said Brooks. “Many sought to provide them with comfort and dignity in their most vulnerable moments. and yet, when we lose someone, the toll is immense.”

Barry, who co-organized the event along with the YMCA ReConnect Churches Group, said there is one thing that could decrease the amount of deaths heading into the new year.

“Housing,” she said. “Really, the answer is housing which can be complex but with our low vacancy rates we just don’t have enough of it and that’s the thing that will make the most difference for folks.”

A vigil for people who died was held in Moncton on Dec. 18, 2024. (Source: Derek Haggett/CTV News Atlantic)

Barry said it’s a hard sector to work in for her team and other outreach service workers, but there are positives.

“Last quarter we moved 11 folks into housing. We see success all the time whether it’s small goals or big goals like getting housed,” said Barry.

Below are the names of the people experiencing homelessness or suffering from addiction who died in Moncton in 2024:

• Ryan W
• Joseph M
• Jeffery T
• Garry M
• Marc-Andre G
• Brittany A
• Victor S
• Mathieu B
• Jenny L
• Miguel P
• Anthony G
• Tabatha N
• Erin S
• Lucas P
• Miriah Z
• Jamie M
• John R Jr
• Jason B
• Wayne L
• Denis A
• Tanya G
• Bradley D
• Alexander B
• Natalie L
• Jesse S
• Benjamin B
• Vasile W
• John G
• Sarah N
• Brody M
• Terri O
• Steven D
• Whitney T
• Richard G
• Leona S
• Tina G
• Giuliano D
• Rodney F
• Rick E
• Michael M
• Johnathan G
• Mike F
• Shane G
• Arthur M.
• Brody L.

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