Tuesday was a day of immense tragedy in our community.
Two missing persons’ cases in Delta came to a horrible conclusion.
The news releases came across my desk and my heart sunk as I imagined the pain and suffering that the family and friends of those lost are going through.
After a month and a half, the body of 21-year-old North Delta man Anmol Jagat was found by police. The young man had been reported missing since Oct. 24.
Then a few hours later, the second news release from Delta Police confirmed that 17-year-old Maaike Blom has been found deceased. She was last seen by her family on Dec. 3 and was reported missing on Dec. 5.
Two young lives lost under awful circumstances. Two young lives lost way too soon. Two young lives taken from our community.
It’s my job and the job of this newsroom to report on these tragedies, but we take no pleasure in doing so. This is the part of the job that really sucks.
Throughout my 25 years of working in journalism I have had to cover far too many tragedies involving the loss of young people. Seeing the impacts that the losses have on a community takes its toll.
I grieve alongside all those impacted. The community needs to rally and support the two families of Maaike and Anmol and I know that this community will do just that.
The outpouring of support and messages of condolence on our Facebook page and other social media pages already has shown that support and I know that in the days and weeks to come, the community will come together to support those who need lifting up.
To the families of Maaike and Anmol, these few words cannot possibly convey the sadness that you are all feeling. Our heartfelt condolence for your loss.
