Health Minister Adrian Dix and executive vice-president of BC Emergency Health Services Linda Lupini have issued the following statement on the death of Lloyd Smith:

“Late yesterday, BC Emergency Health Services shared with staff and the public that they have lost one of their own in the terrible tragedy that occurred in Fernie on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Today we send our condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Lloyd Smith.

“We are deeply saddened with the news that a health-care worker, who was a part-time paramedic in addition to his job with the City of Fernie, has died, along with two other people.

“Lloyd started his career as a paramedic in 1996 with BC Emergency Health Services. He worked in the East Kootenay area, including Golden, Invermere and Fernie, for more than 15 years. He was a friend and mentor to many and will be sadly missed by all of those who worked with him. Lloyd’s impact on the community of Fernie will be felt by many.

“As we wait for more information about this heartbreaking event to be gathered by the BC Coroners Service, WorkSafeBC, Technical Safety BC and the RCMP, we encourage people to take care of themselves and each other, and thank them for the work that they do for patients and communities.

“Thank you to all of the first responders who arrived on scene and continue to support the recovery effort. BC Emergency Health Services staff have been provided additional critical incident stress management support for those who need it now or in the days to come. As we are all unique individuals, it is important to recognize that the sudden death of a colleague can impact people in different ways.

“Our thoughts are with the Smith family today. We would like to offer our deepest sympathies, and we know the memory of Lloyd as a strong, kind and committed person and paramedic will live on in their hearts.”