More than 150 people turned out for a candlelight vigil in Fernie’s Rotary Park last night for Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette and Terry Blanchette.

Hailey, two-years-old, and her father Terry, 27, were murdered this past week in their hometown of Blairmore, Alberta.

RCMP yesterday (Sept. 16) charged Derek James Saretzky, 22, of Blairmore, with First Degree Murder in the homicides.

The tragic series of events began Sept. 14 when an Amber Alert was issued for Hailey after an early morning sighting of a white van fleeing her Blairmore home. Police found her father dead at the scene. Hailey was found dead Sept. 15.

Shocked and mourning Crowsnest Pass residents are not alone in their grief. An outpouring of support and love has come from across Canada, but perhaps none more so than from the neighbouring Elk Valley, which shares a lengthy close relationship with the Pass community. The candlelight vigil was a way to show that support and love.

This is from the Facebook Page ‘Fernie: The Good… The Bad…Changes… And Suggestions’ by administrator Chris Ingy Inglis: “THERE ARE JUST NO WORDS to describe the turnout tonight for the vigil for Terry and Hailey Dunbar-Blanchette. Unbelievable, over a 150 people in attendance, holding candles, moment of silence and a prayer and also paying their respect to the families and friends and the Town of the Crowsnest Pass.

“Thanks so much to everyone who helped out; Sara & Cliff Mitchell, Jeri Mitchell, Jeanine Smith, Chrisy Hill,Kayleigh Miranda Dvorak Micheline Kaupp Lana Garlock Joan Clarke, Mark & Lori at Overwaitea Foods FERNIE, Tim Hortons in Fernie, McDonalds in FERNIE and anyone else that helped out and attended, please post your pictures here under comments, thanks, this is what Fernie and the valley, is all about – bringing the communities together to grieve and pray as one solid little valley!”

A GoFundMe account has also been established to help the family with funeral costs. At the time of publishing, almost $24,500 has been raised. Please go HERE to donate.

Saretzky also faces one count of Indignity to a Body in relation to Hailey’s death. He will remain in police custody pending his first court appearance at 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 23 at Lethbridge Provincial Court in Courtroom 001.

Photos by: Jeanine Smith, Kayleight Miranda Dvorak and Lana Garlock.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

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