Cassidy Giroux remembered as ‘the greatest friend’

A 15-year-old girl whose life was lost in Yellowknife this week is remembered as an exceptional friend and uplifting presence in people’s lives.

The body of Cassidy Giroux was discovered near the Frame Lake trail, between Matonabee St and Albatross St, on Tuesday morning, RCMP said later that day.

Police investigators do not suspect any criminality is involved.

Cassidy was a student at École St Patrick High School, the Yellowknife Catholic School Board’s superintendent told the CBC.

She had also studied at YK1 schools and schools in Fort Smith.

In Yellowknife, the two school boards each said counselling services were being made available to students and staff.

Plans for a celebration of life are being discussed.

Online, dozens of students and parents who knew Cassidy expressed their sadness at news of her death.

Messages remembered her as “such a positive person.” Several parents said their children had considered Cassidy “their best friend.”

“She always had a smile on her face,” wrote one family friend.

“She was so kind and the greatest friend,” another parent recalled.

Other residents shared services available to support young people in times of trauma.

Kids Help Phone, a 24-hour counselling service, can be reached at any time by calling 1-800-668-6868, texting 686868, or via live chat on the service’s website.

The NWT Help Line, also available around the clock at no cost, offers confidential support to residents who call 1-800-661-0844.