Tributes and condolences have been pouring in for a RCMP officer killed in a crash in Langford on Tuesday.
Cst. Sarah Beckett, 32, of the West Shore Detachment in ‘E’ Division died in a crash at an intersection around 3:30 a.m.
Beckett joined the RCMP in 2005 and spent 11 years in British Columbia, posted to the Port McNeill, Langford Municipal, Colwood and West Shore Detachments. She leaves behind her husband and two young children. She had only recently returned from maternity leave.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised almost $50,000 for her family.
Condolences have been pouring in on social media for Beckett and the RCMP.
On Wednesday morning, the West Shore Detachment said it will honour Beckett by “jumping back into our police cars to keep our communities safe.”
Many other detachments are offering their condolences to Beckett’s family and her fellow officers.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also tweeted his condolences:
Paying respects
A candlelight walk, that will start at the crash scene, is set to be held on Sunday, at 8:30 p.m. So far, more than 500 people have said they will attend.
The West Shore RCMP have set up a book of condolences in the lobby of their detachment.
People can also leave messages online at bc.rcmp.ca.
It has not been decided if there will be a public memorial or service for Beckett. Assistant Commissioner Sharon Woodburn, the officer in charge of human resources for the RCMP in B.C. said they are discussing arrangements with Beckett’s family. “Our focus will be to ensure we have a clear understanding of their wishes prior to moving forward,” she said in a statement.
Investigation ongoing
Mounties were still gathering facts to determine what happened, according to Chief Supt. Ray Bernoties, but a criminal investigation was being conducted by the RCMP and the Saanich Police Department was investigating the circumstances of the collision.
The driver was in custody, but has now been released without charges. He did suffer some injuries, but they are not considered life-threatening.
Beckett was on duty at the time of the crash. Witness Jordan Coons said he saw the crash happen.
He said he saw a truck “flying up the road at a high rate of speed” and then it “blew the red light and T-boned this officer.”
“I just ran up to the car and did our best to kind of see if she was OK and try and get the truck off of her.”
Comments