Condolences for Mountie Sarah Beckett pouring in
RCMP is consulting with Beckett's family over wishes for memorial
As condolences pour in for the Mountie killed in a collision yesterday near Victoria, the RCMP says it is talking with her family about plans for a possible public memorial.
Const. Sarah Beckett died early Tuesday morning when her police cruiser was in a collision with a pick-up truck in the Victoria suburb of Langford.
Beckett, an 11-year member of the force who spent her entire career on Vancouver Island, is survived by her husband and two young children.
The popular officer's death has triggered an outpouring of condolences on social media, including a message from the prime minister.
On behalf of the government, I offer my condolences to the family of RCMP Const. Sarah Beckett, who was killed today in the line of duty.
—@JustinTrudeauThe RCMP yesterday announced the public can send their messages to Beckett's family by email to RCMP.Condolences-Condoleances.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Some of those messages have been posted on the RCMP website.
"WestShore RCMP is a great detachment, and I am heartbroken that we have lost this shining light." says one post.
Another reads: "No words can adequately express our deepest sympathies or help fill the gaping hole that has been created with the loss of Sarah."
Amazing display of class and support from <a href="https://twitter.com/vicpdcanada">@vicpdcanada</a>.Code 3 Drive-by in front of our Detachment <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThinBlueLine?src=hash">#ThinBlueLine</a> <a href="https://t.co/qYmHUFcMQw">pic.twitter.com/qYmHUFcMQw</a>
—@WestshoreRCMPPossible public memorial
Meanwhile the RCMP says it has been speaking with Beckett's family members over possible plans for a public memorial.
"Before we move forward we want to make sure we have a clear understanding of what they want," said Assistant RCMP Commissioner Sharon Woodburn.
Guiseppe Moonie-Tkachuk will not soon forget Beckett. Sarah Beckett helped him after the 19-year-old was in a car accident.
Dark day for all of us, but your caring and support is truly heart-felt and we thank you so very much. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCMP?src=hash">#RCMP</a> <a href="https://t.co/zmc59sW8Id">pic.twitter.com/zmc59sW8Id</a>
—@WestshoreRCMP"I was shocked, I was like, 'No, it's not her, it can't be," he said Tuesday.
Police on Tuesday said the driver of the pick-up was in police custody and a criminal investigation into the crash was underway, but no other details of the crash or the investigation have been released.
With files from Richard Zussman
