Two of the victims in the North Vancouver stabbing on Saturday have been identified as a single mom, Susanne Till, and a teacher with the District of North Vancouver, Sheloah Klausen.
Till, a mom of three children, suffered “extensive and life-changing” injuries, according to a verified GoFundMe page.
It is unknown if she will need more surgery at this time to help in her recovery, the fundraiser states.
“Susanne, as many know, is the epitome of motherhood… working full time and ensuring her children experience all the wonders life has to offer…. her passion to make holidays extra special, spending weekends visiting with friends at local parks and exhibits and baking up a storm to share,” Kirsten Emerson, who organized the fundraiser, explains in the blurb.
“Susanne is an active volunteer member of several communities including Queensbury Elementary and RNB dance.”
More than $80,000 has already been raised for Till.
Another victim of the attack as been identified as a teacher at Argyle Secondary School, in the North Vancouver School District, Sheloah Klausen.
The district confirms Klausen was injured during the incident but the staff is “relieved to be able to share with you that Ms. Klausen is expected to make a full recovery,” the district states.
“Furthermore, a number of students were in the area and witnessed the incident unfold and will be indirectly impacted by the experience.”
The district says counsellors will be available for students and staff and they are encouraging parents to speak to their children about what happened.
The family of another victim, who only wishes to be identified as Gary, also shared a statement with Global News.
On March 27, 2021, our 78-year-old father Gary was at his community library in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver. He was sitting outside the library doors in the lobby area when he heard a scream, saw someone on the ground, yelled at the attacker and jumped up to intervene. The attacker’s attention turned to him and he was stabbed in the back, fell down, and was then stabbed in the face, head and hands. He was one of the seven victims taken to the hospital by paramedics that day. He has had a few different surgeries and procedures and we are unsure if he will regain the use of his left eye. He is in shock that this happened in his community and at his library, where he spends many hours, but assures us he will ‘be okay. He is a very strong man and we are so very proud of him.
My father and our family wish to thank all the bystanders who assisted him, first responders, paramedics and the North Vancouver RCMP. We want to acknowledge and thank the staff of Lions Gate Hospital, the staff of Vancouver General hospital, and all the surgeons involved. The care he has received is exceptional.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family who lost their loved one, we are so very saddened by this tragic loss. We wish speedy recovery to the other victims.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said Sunday that 28-year-old Yannick Bandaogo is in police custody after undergoing surgery for self-inflicted wounds.
Police have not named the woman who died, but said she was in her 20s.
The attack took place around 1:45 p.m. Saturday when Bandaogo allegedly began stabbing people in North Vancouver’s Lynn Valley public library.
Six people were left with injuries in the attack and police said Sunday their injuries vary in severity but all are expected to survive.
— with files from The Canadian Press