The RCMP is investigating the deaths of two girls at a Sylvan Lake hotel room. (File photo: rdnewsNOW / Pattison Media)

By Alessia Proietti

Two youths found deceased in Sylvan Lake hotel

Apr 13, 2023 | 6:45 AM

SYLVAN LAKE, AB – Police in central Alberta have confirmed that two youths passed away over the weekend at a hotel in Sylvan Lake.

On Sunday, April 9, 2023 at roughly 10:43 a.m., Sylvan Lake RCMP received a report from Emergency Medical Services of two unresponsive females at the Best Western Hotel (5027 Lakeshore Dr.).

Upon arrival, officers said they found the two girls, a 13-year-old Red Deer resident and 12-year-old Sylvan Lake resident, deceased.

“The investigation continues into what the circumstances are” said Alberta RCMP spokesperson, Cpl. Troy Savinkoff. “RCMP are working with the medical examiner currently to determine the cause of the death. Certainly, a potential overdose is a possibility but RCMP are not confirming that at this time.”

He described the incident as “extremely tragic”.

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Savinkoff stated, “There was a parent on site when police arrived. Exactly where the parent was when these occurrences took place is certainly part of that investigation.”

Kurt Sacher, Superintendent of Chinook’s Edge School Division, confirmed that one of the students attended Fox Run Middle School in Sylvan Lake, which serves grades seven and eight.

He said parents were emailed about the incident, along with additional tips on how to speak with their children about grief and loss. He stated that administration has contacted the affected family to express their deepest condolences and to offer support.

Sacher said, “We’ve set up a number of supports for when school begins again on Monday for students and staff. We’ll have additional family school wellness workers in attendance. We put in a number of processes to make sure that our students are as well cared for as possible and our staff as well.”

He added, “Our thoughts are certainly with the family. This is devastating news, the loss of a child, can’t imagine a worse circumstance for someone to deal with. Our staff are certainly devastated by the news and impacted significantly.”

Although Red Deer Public Schools declined to confirm what school the second student attended, they did say in a statement, “Our sincere condolences have been extended to the family at this difficult time, and we are working to support them, our staff and our students. Out of respect, we will have no further comment.”

Both school divisions are currently on Spring Break until Monday, April 17.

Alberta Health Services said they have put additional resources in place to support those impacted, including opening up additional walk-in sessions with counselors to provide immediate supports.

“This is a tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies are with the families, loved ones and friends impacted by these losses,” AHS said in a statement.

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