A B.C. teacher has been killed after her home washed away in the mudslide created by the atmospheric river over the weekend.
Global News has confirmed that a longtime teacher, Sonya McIntyre, was killed in Coquitlam on Saturday.
In a letter to parents and guardians of children who attend Aspenwood Elementary in Port Moody, principal Don Hutchinson said: “It is with great sadness that I am writing to inform you that our long-time teacher, Sonya McIntyre died Saturday following a tragic accident. She has been a valued member of the Aspenwood community for many years as a teacher, and mentor to students and staff.
“Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden. You are receiving this letter this morning, as we wanted our families to hear information about a loss in our community from us. As your children arrive home today, they will be aware of Ms. McIntyre‘s death as we will be speaking with them this morning. You may feel a variety of or varying degrees of emotions: shock, sadness, or confusion. What is most important is that we care for and support each other.”
Hutchinson added that the Critical Incident Team from the District has made plans to attend the school on Tuesday.
Coquitlam RCMP said on Monday morning that a 57-year-old woman was found dead following the mudslide.
On Saturday, Oct. 19, at 12:30 p.m., Coquitlam RCMP officers were called to a report of a mudslide along Quarry Road.
Quarry Road between Calgary Drive and MacIntyre Road will remain closed as search efforts continue, RCMP said.
Due to the mudslide, Quarry Road is impassable, leaving a number of residents cut off on the other side of the mudslide.
RCMP said they are in contact with the residents, who are able to shelter in place, but there is no updated timeline as to when the road will be cleared.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2024-27774.