ST. THOMAS AQUINAS ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE REGIONAL DIVISION NO. 38
Tragic incident at Christ the King School results in student death

Leduc STAR Catholic School Division is deeply saddened to report the death of a student after a tragic stabbing incident at Christ the King School.

"This loss will be felt deeply across the Christ the King School community, and across our Division as a whole," says Superintendent Charlie Bouchard. "We cannot express deeply enough the sorrow we feel for the family members, friends, and staff members who have lost a loved one today, and whose lives will be forever changed."

The RCMP responded to a 911 call from the school at 9:58 on Monday, March 15. On advice of the RCMP, Christ the King School immediately entered into a Lock Down. STARS Air Ambulance arrived on scene and transported the student victim to hospital.

On the advice of the RCMP, all other STAR Catholic schools in Leduc entered into a Hold and Secure while the suspect, who is also a student at Christ the King School, was located. The suspect was arrested at 12:20 p.m. Afterwards, the Lock Down at Christ the King School and all Hold and Secures in Leduc were lifted.

STAR Catholic School Division's Trauma Support Team is currently on site providing support to the Christ the King School community, and will remain on site for the remainder of the week. Classes at Christ the King School will be cancelled tomorrow, March 16, but the building will remain open for any students who wish to access support services.

"The STAR Catholic Board of Trustees wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family of the victim, the students and staff of Chris the King School, and everyone impacted by today's tragedy," says Board Chair Michelle Lamer.

"As one connected faith community, we ask that God grant strength to all those who are suffering, and pray they find solace and healing through Christ."

STAR Catholic School Division understands there may be questions and requests for additional information regarding the incident. The Division may be unable to comment further due to the nature of the event and the ongoing RCMP investigation.

Based in central Alberta, Saint Thomas Aquinas Roman (STAR) Catholic School Division represents 12 schools that serve the communities of Beaumont, Drayton Valley, Lacombe, Leduc, Ponoka, and Wetaskiwin. The STAR Catholic Schools team of teachers and support staff are committed to giving more than 4000 students across our division every opportunity to achieve their potential in a caring, safe and Christ-centred environment.