A 17-year-old teenager from Lumby, British Columbia, was killed at a rural gathering near Cherryville on Saturday night, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The incident occurred in the 4000 block of Highway 6, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Lumby.
RCMP respond to fatal shooting
Police were called to the scene around 9:30 p.m. on June 27, 2026, after reports of a shooting. Officers arrived to find the teen suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The RCMP have confirmed the death is being investigated as a homicide.
“This is a tragic loss of a young life, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the RCMP Southeast District. “We are working diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Investigation underway
The RCMP’s Major Crime Unit has taken over the investigation. Police have not released the name of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. No arrests have been made, and authorities are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
“We believe there were several people at the gathering at the time of the shooting,” O’Donaghey added. “We are asking anyone with information to contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers.”
Community in shock
The small community of Lumby, with a population of about 1,700, is reeling from the incident. Mayor Kevin Acton expressed condolences and urged residents to support the victim’s family. “This is a devastating event for our community,” Acton said. “We will do everything we can to assist the police in their investigation.”
The gathering was reportedly a social event attended by local youth. The exact nature of the gathering and how a firearm came to be present are key questions for investigators. The RCMP have not disclosed whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.
