The Huntsville community is reeling after a tragic event on Highview Drive last Friday night.
“Everybody knows about the horrendous event that occurred and I can’t even imagine what it was like for all of our first responders,” Mayor Nancy Alcock said during the Monday night council meeting, extending gratitude to the OPP and emergency teams involved.
On Friday, Oct. 25, a 52-year-old man called police to a home around 9 p.m., but communication with him soon ended, according to the Special Investigations Unit, which is investigating the case.
See: Three dead in Huntsville shooting
And: Police, provincial watchdog probe deaths of three people in Huntsville
The OPP said officers went to the home after a report of a shooting. When a drone was sent to assess the scene, officers discovered the bodies of the man and two women inside the home.
“It was the kind of event that one never imagines would happen in our town. I guess we’re just not immune,” Alcock said.
In the days following, one Huntsville detachment officer in an OPP cruiser has remained stationed at the residence as the investigation continues. Multiple vans and other emergency response vehicles have been at the house too.
On Monday morning, some neighbours were outside, walking the streets with their dogs or by themselves. Others remained indoors, trying to recuperate after a restless weekend.
Ted Warman, Huntsville OPP’s community safety officer, encouraged anyone affected to reach out for support, including those within the organization.
“The OPP provides excellent support for us with the ultimate goal being to have the necessary resources and education for our physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being,” Warman said.
Outreach resources for the community:
- Affected Persons Program: Call 1-877-641-1897 or visit siu.on.ca/en/apc.php
- Muskoka Victim Services: Call 1-844-762-9945, email [email protected], or visit muskokavs.ca
Those with information about the investigation, including video or photos, are asked to contact investigators at 1-800-787-8529 or online at siu.on.ca/en/appeals.php.
Megan Hederson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter covering Huntsville and Lake of Bays for MuskokaRegion.com. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
