Community in mourning day after west-end tragedy

Residents of the Bayview community and surrounding area are grieving this weekend following Friday morning’s tragedy on Goulais Ave. that left two people dead.

Sault Police spokesperson Lincoln Louttit can not confirm the identity of either individual involved in the incident. Investigators remain on the scene this afternoon, and Louttit says the crime scene will likely be held through the weekend.

Flowers continue to line the front steps of Millie’s Mini-Mart in connection to yesterday’s upsetting events, including heartfelt notes and cards attached to some of the bouquets.

A Bayview resident, who has chosen to remain anonymous, says she knew the deceased woman personally. She explains her passing is a huge loss to the community.

“I will have fond memories of my encounters with her,” she says. “I would bring my son over to get popsicles on the way home from Manzo pool and she was always so nice and would strike up conversations with my son about his popsicle choices. The community is in mourning because she made Millie’s that neighbourhood store where everyone knows everyone, and you could always count on a pleasant exchange when you go in.”

Despite the devastating nature of events that took place on Friday, the Bayview resident doesn’t fear for her safety in the neighbourhood.

“The community here isn’t that awful,” she says. “I have kids growing up here and don’t fear them playing outside or going to the park. You get to know everyone, and you build a relationship where you watch out for one another. This is a very isolated and tragic incident.”

Other locals from across the area have been expressing their condolences on social media, especially through the Bayview Community Facebook page.

“You will literally never be forgotten,” one man wrote. “A staple in our community and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my entire life.”

“She was the first to welcome me to the neighbourhood,” another woman shared. “She always treated me with the most respect and waved whenever I drove by.”