A tragic incident occurred at Twins Rivers elementary school in Castlegar on Feb 12. Grade 4/5 teacher Brian Rigby died suddenly according to a statement from School District 20.
"In addition to our grief over the loss of this member of our community," a statement from supt. Greg Luterbach said in part, "we are sensitive to the fact that such an event has an impact on our staff and students."
The district, according to the Feb. 13 statement, had implemented its Critical Incident Response plan which allows Twin Rivers staff and students an opportunity to talk about their thoughts and feelings with trained professional staff.
Grade 10 SHSS student Justin Conacher sent in this letter about his former teacher:
I have a few words to say about something that happened today. Mr. Rigby, my 6th grade teacher, passed away this morning from a heart attack. I was on my way to school and I saw him being cradled by someone from the school. That was the last I'll ever see of him. while him and I didn't get along, he was still someone who got me to where I am today, thus, he was an important person to me.
It's depressing to see someone you know pass away, especially knowing you couldn't do anything about it. I'll never forget him, for he helped me get through some tough times in grade 6. Though he'll never be able to read this, I'd just like to say: thank you, and rest in peace.