CALGARY- Students from the University of Calgary are reeling, after it emerged that a party celebrating the end of classes was the scene of the worst mass murder in Calgary history.
Four young men and one woman, all in their twenties, were killed Tuesday morning during the multiple stabbing at a house in Brentwood. Sources tell Global News the suspect is Matthew de Grood, the son of a Calgary Police officer.
The grisly murders come just as exam time is getting underway at the school, and shocked students are now flocking to the school’s Wellness Centre for help.
“Students, even parents are contacting us,” says Debbie Bruckner, director of the Wellness Centre. “Lots of people want solace or confirmation of information. We’ve created a space for anyone to walk in and get support, we have nurses, psychologists, chaplains who are available at any time.”
She adds that even if those affected feel they are coping OK right now, emotions can boil over with time.
“There’s a lot happening right now for students. We expect it’ll ramp a lot of emotional reaction,” she says. “We know any delay when a person needs you is going to drive them away.”
Students say it doesn’t help that there is much uncertainty surrounding who the victims were.
“It’s a bit scary,” says Rosie Aldrich. “So many people went to an after party in Brentwood.”
“It’s just horrifying, I still don’t know who they are. Friends of friends, or friends of mine,” adds Anne Proctor. “It’s scary. It could’ve been a classmate, could’ve been me too.”
Parents with children who go to the University of Calgary say their worst fears were realized.
A community gathering is also being held at the University of Calgary on Tuesday afternoon, starting at 4:30 p.m. in MacEwan Hall.
The Wellness Centre is on the third floor of the MacEwan Student Centre, and its phone number is 403-210-9355. After hours support is also available at sar@ucalgary.ca
Counsellors with the Distress Centre also took to social media to ensure students, parents and anyone else struggling with Tuesday’s events knew support was available.
“We’re here 24 hours, seven days a week for anyone who is experiencing any kind of distress about this issue, wanting to talk to somebody or just needing to vent their feelings,” says executive director, Joan Brett.
The Distress Centre’s 24 hour crisis line is 403-266-HELP (4357). For youth under the age of 24, Connecteen also offers support via texts to 587-333-2724, or during a nightly online chat between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
-With files from Francis Silvaggio and Jill Croteau
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