Kamloops RCMP urge residents emotionally impacted by Snowbirds crash to seek emotional support | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops RCMP urge residents emotionally impacted by Snowbirds crash to seek emotional support

A Canadian Forces Snowbird crashed in a Kamloops neighbourhood Sunday, May 17.
Image Credit: Brie Welton

Kamloops RCMP are urging people impacted by the “emotional aftershocks” of the deadly Snowbird crash last month to speak with someone at the Interior Crisis Line Network.

The Snowbirds were on a cross-country mission to uplift the spirits of Canadians during the pandemic. The tour, dubbed Operation Inspiration, ended in tragedy when a bird strike hit one of the planes upon takeoff at the Kamloops airport.

Snowbirds aerobatic team public affairs officer Capt. Jenn Casey was killed, and pilot Capt. Richard MacDougall was injured in the May 17 crash.

Some people were significantly traumatized by the events, as they either watched the plane crash into their neighbour's home, helped to cover the body of Capt. Casey or watched as Capt. MacDougall waved his arms for help. A Kamloops therapist who often works with people dealing with trauma told iNFOnews.ca she hopes residents are getting the help they need.

The crash site in Brock has been cleaned up, the Air Force investigators have come and gone, but living with the memories won't be easy, she said. The event caused some people to recall traumatic events in their life that related to the crash, such as plane-related accidents or the loss of a loved one.

READ MORE: Brock residents deal with emotional aftermath of Snowbird crash

Kamloops RCMP say in a media release some people may be dealing with strong emotional or physical reactions to the event, and note it is normal for affected individuals to have “emotional aftershocks.”

Police urge people who have been affected to reach out to resources aimed at helping people overcome traumatic events.

READ MORE: Snowbirds crash likely caused by bird strike

Kamloops RCMP recommend calling the Interior Crisis Line Network, which provides short-term emotional support, crisis de-escalation, assessment and engages other resources when necessary. You can reach the network at 1-888-353-2273.


To contact a reporter for this story, email Jenna Wheeler or call (250) 819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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