Our deepest, most heartfelt condolences go out to the families and many friends of the four vibrant young people who went for a canoe trip Saturday on Slocan Lake, not to return.
Words cannot accurately express the sympathy felt on behalf of those youngsters who had so many exciting and rewarding years ahead of them.
Most of us have someone in our lives who means the world to us. To consider the sudden loss of someone so dear and special is unthinkable.
For the young woman and three young men involved in the recent Slocan Lake tragedy it was a case of circumstances going awry, and a second chance not being available. For all of its beauty, nature, all to often is unforgiving.
This is not a time to consider what may have been, or may not have been done in a certain way. This is simply an occasion for lovingly remembering and celebrating these precious lost loved ones and to start marking the painful passage of time on the way to whatever level of healing is attainable.
This is a major shock to the small and tight-knit Slocan Valley community, and feelings of overwhelming bewilderment will understandably be present among many. But the unstoppable passage of time and the support and solidarity from the people in the local area and far beyond, will hopefully help to temper the terrible loss suffered due to the May 10 incident.
Once again, sincere sympathy in regard to this tragic incident is expressed from the Castlegar News and Black Press.