The community of Drumheller is mourning the loss of three young people in what appears to be drug-related fatalities.
Messages of support for the families and friends of the three who perished have been coming in, in person, and through social media, as the community comes to grips with the tragedy.
“This tragic news is difficult to hear. Our prayers and condolences go to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones. I would like to remind everyone to respect people's privacy and to be kind to others during this difficult time," said Mayor Heather Colberg.
On Saturday, February 20, at 7:42 p.m., Drumheller RCMP received a 911 call of sudden deaths at a residence in Drumheller.
Drumheller RCMP attended the residence, along with emergency medical services. It is known at this time that three individuals are deceased as a result of what is believed to be drug related.
A number of businesses in the community closed on Sunday to give staff an opportunity to grieve for the friends and family of Trevor Pascoe, Kimberly Davidson, and Rachael Sorenson. Many are sharing their memories using #drum3 on social media.
The Drumheller RCMP are issuing a warning to the public as it is suspected these deaths may be associated to drugs that may be laced with lethal quantities of opioid-related substances such as fentanyl, carfentanil or methamphetamines.
The autopsies for the 21-year-old female, 27-year-old female, both from Drumheller, and the 31-year-old male from Rosedale, Alta., are scheduled for later this week at the Calgary Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Drumheller RCMP’s investigation continues and will include laboratory analysis of the substances suspected of being contaminated with lethal quantities of opioid-related drugs.
"Our local RCMP detachment is investigating the incident. They have asked us to remind everyone that there are risks of opioid-related substances laced into drugs,” said Colberg.
Police are asking if anyone has information about this incident, please contact the Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-2630 or your local police. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
