The community of Drumheller is mourning the loss of three young people in what appears to be drug-related fatalities.
Messages of support for the families and friends of the three who perished have been coming in, in person, and through social media, as the community comes to grips with the tragedy.
“This tragic news is difficult to hear. Our prayers and condolences go to those who are mourning the loss of loved ones. I would like to remind everyone to respect people's privacy and to be kind to others during this difficult time," said Mayor Heather Colberg.
On Saturday, February 20, at 7:42 p.m., Drumheller RCMP received a 911 call of sudden deaths at a residence in Drumheller.
Drumheller RCMP attended the residence, along with emergency medical services. It is known at this time that three individuals are deceased as a result of what is believed to be drug related.
A number of businesses in the community closed on Sunday to give staff an opportunity to grieve for the friends and family of Trevor Pascoe, Kimberly Davidson, and Rachael Sorenson. Many are sharing their memories using #drum3 on social media.
The Drumheller RCMP are issuing a warning to the public as it is suspected these deaths may be associated to drugs that may be laced with lethal quantities of opioid-related substances such as fentanyl, carfentanil or methamphetamines.
The autopsies for the 21-year-old female, 27-year-old female, both from Drumheller, and the 31-year-old male from Rosedale, Alta., are scheduled for later this week at the Calgary Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Drumheller RCMP’s investigation continues and will include laboratory analysis of the substances suspected of being contaminated with lethal quantities of opioid-related drugs.
"Our local RCMP detachment is investigating the incident. They have asked us to remind everyone that there are risks of opioid-related substances laced into drugs,” said Colberg.
Police are asking if anyone has information about this incident, please contact the Drumheller RCMP at 403-823-2630 or your local police. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

The Government of Alberta announced on Friday, February 19 they are continuing the COVID-19 vaccine rollout following a national shortage earlier this month.

Seniors are being prioritized during this phase of the vaccine rollout, whether they live communally in retirement centres and lodges, or independently in the community.

“We are immunizing Albertans who are most at risk of severe outcomes,” said Minister of Health Tyler Shandro during the announcement. “By completing Phase 1, we will ensure the most vulnerable Albertans are fully protected against this virus.”

Alberta Health Services began offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all residents of communal facilities starting on Friday, February 19. The vaccine will then be available to any senior 75 years of age or older within the general public beginning on Wednesday, February 24.

Eligible seniors can call Health Link (811) or book online at www.alberta.ca/covid19-vaccine.aspx

More than 173,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered as of Sunday, February 21, with 69,362 Albertans fully immunized with two doses of the vaccine since rollout began in December 2020.

The number of COVID-19 cases has continued to decline locally following a brief spike on Wednesday, February 10. Cases have plateaued since Monday, February 15 and, as of Monday, February 22, there are eight active cases and 204 recovered cases in the Town of Drumheller; this includes four active and 60 recovered cases at the Drumheller Institution.

There is also one active case in Starland County, five in Wheatland County, and six in Kneehill County.

The number of variant cases of COVID-19 has increased drastically since the province first began reporting cases by health zone. On Wednesday, February 10 there were 13 cases in the Central Zone; as of Monday, February 22, there are a total of 63 variant cases. Currently, all variant cases are the strain first identified in the United Kingdom (UK) known as B.1.1.7.