A memorial has been created on the wharf on Okanagan Lake where Jaxsn Cahill drowned.
(KATHY MICHAELS / iNFOnews.ca)
Republished August 21, 2019 - 10:59 AM
Original Publication Date August 19, 2019 - 12:00 PM
WEST KELOWNA - A skate for Jaxsn Cahill, the teen who drowned in Okanagan Lake this weekend, will be held Sunday, Aug. 25 at the Johnson Bentley bowl.
Cahill, who is described by loved ones organizing the event as a “truly powerful human being," was 15 when he jumped into Okanagan Lake Aug. 17 and failed to emerge from the water.
Emergency responders found him and pulled him from the water, tried CPR and rushed him to hospital.
“Despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the 15-year-old boy could not be resuscitated and passed away in hospital,” O’Donaghey said in a press release. “RCMP Victim Services are providing support to the witnesses and the victim’s family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the boy’s loved ones during this difficult time.”
There will be a service aimed at raising funds for teens struggling with mental health issues.
A vigil has already been held for the teen and hundreds attended, and a memorial on the ferry wharf has been set up on Gellatly Bay, with flowers, photos, candles, a skate deck and messages of love.
The family has set up a fundraiser in support of youth and families struggling with mental health. Funds raised will be in support of Foundry Kelowna in the spirit of Jaxsn Cahill.
Operated by CMHA Kelowna, Foundry Kelowna supports the well-being of youth aged 12 to 24 by intervening early so youth can find the help they need when they need it.
— This story was updated at 10:56 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, to say the memorial has been postponed.
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