Community mourns deaths of couple, kids
The sudden death of four people, including two children, in a remote B.C. community has left friends and loved-ones in mourning.
Local media identified the victims as Harvey Volaine, his wife Melissa Penner, and their two boys, Kaylex, 10, and Ay, 7.
The family was found dead by RCMP Friday afternoon inside a home on Saranagati Village, a 650-hectare Hare Krishna religious community located in the Venables Valley, about 30 kilometres south of Ashcroft.
An online fundraising page announced the “sudden passing” of the family members.
“During this difficult time, the family will need help with the unexpected costs of funeral services for 4 people,” it said. “All donations go directly to the Volaine family. They are extremely grateful for the (outpouring) of love and support.”
David Musterer, a member of the Venables Valley community, released a statement saying the tragedy has deeply affected everyone in the area “beyond what words can convey.”
He said the community is beginning the process of coming to terms with the “unfortunate incident” and asked for privacy as it grieves.
About two dozen families live in Saranagati Village, which has a temple and a local school.
The village was founded in the 1980s by devotees. Families live off the land and off the grid, with water from local creeks and electricity from solar panels, generators, or hydro systems, according to its website.
Ashcroft RCMP discovered the bodies on Friday afternoon after officers responded to a request for a “well-being check” at the home.
The Southeast District Major Crimes Unit and the B.C. Coroners Service are investigating the deaths. Investigators remained at the scene on the weekend.
Police have said there is no threat to the public. They have not released the identities of the victims or cause of death.
Ashcroft Coun. Barbara Roden said the residents of the Venables Valley regularly visit Ashcroft for work and leisure.
She said in an interview the deaths will likely have a devastating effect for residents in the area. “I think almost everyone in town, I think when we find out who it is, is going to have had some contact with them,” she said.