‘He was just a real bright light’: friends remember Saskatoon teen following his death

Students and staff of a Saskatoon high school are coming together following the death of a teenage boy.

Gilbert Kagabo passed away on Nov. 2 at the Teachers Credit Union location on Arlington Avenue — which is about half a kilometre from Holy Cross High School.

Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS) said a memorial mass was offered at the school before classes on Tuesday morning.

The late teen participated in a number of extracurricular groups including playing basketball and being a part of Saskatoon Youth for Christ.

One of his mentors from the church group said Kagabo left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

“You could always count on Gilbert to brighten up your day with a big smile (or) a big hug. He was just a real bright light. All of his friends would say the same thing, that his smile was infectious,” Corwin Thiessen said.

GSCS said its tragic events response team is available at the school.

In a press release, the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) said first responders arrived at the scene following calls for someone in medical distress on Nov. 2 before noon.

It went on to read life-saving measures were attempted, but were unsuccessful.

SPS added an autopsy was scheduled for Monday and an update is expected later this week.