“This has never happened in our community … and we are just shaken by what has happened,” said Father Goitom Mengesha, reflecting the deep sorrow felt in the Calgary Eritrean community. The tragic deaths of two children have prompted a gathering on May 1, 2026, to mourn and support their grieving mother.
A Calgary father now faces serious charges—two counts of first-degree murder—in connection with the deaths of his five-year-old son and three-year-old daughter. The police found the children in a vehicle located in Calgary’s northwest area after the father contacted 911 to report the incident.
The couple had been in a six-year common-law relationship and shared joint custody of their children. However, their history raised concerns; police had previously been called to their shared residence four times during their relationship. That context matters because it highlights potential underlying issues that may have contributed to this tragic event.
As members of the Eritrean community gathered to pay their respects, Adanech Sahilie noted, “It’s really hard for mom. She doesn’t have any family members in Canada.” This poignant statement underscores the isolation faced by the grieving mother at such a devastating time.
The mourning comes at a time when child health is particularly under focus. Just as African Vaccination Week was observed in Eritrea from April 24 to April 30, where vaccination coverage reached an impressive 98%, ensuring that child death rates dropped from 150 per 1,000 to just 35. The theme for this year was “Let Parents and the Community Work in Collaboration for Ensuring the Health of Our Children,” which resonates deeply given the current tragedy.
In light of these events, many questions arise about how communities can better support families facing such challenges. The Calgary Police Service continues its investigation while the community seeks ways to heal together.
