It’s been a month since Sam Altman promised Premier David Eby and Mayor Darryl Krakowka that he would apologize to the community of Tumbler Ridge.
That apology was made on April 23.
“To the community of Tumbler Ridge,” writes Altman. “The pain your community has endured is unimaginable. I have been thinking of you often over the past few months.
“When I spoke with Mayor Krakowka and Premier Eby about this tragedy, they conveyed the anger, sadness, and concern being felt across Tumbler Ridge. We agreed a public apology was necessary, but that time was also needed to respect the community as you grieved. I share this letter with the understanding that everyone grieves in their own way and in their own time.
“I want to express my deepest condolences to the entire community. No one should ever have to endure a tragedy like this. I cannot imagine anything worse in this world than losing a child. My heart remains with the victims, their families, all members of the community, and the province of British Columbia.
I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June. While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered.
I reaffirm the commitment I made to the Mayor and the Premier to find ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future. Going forward, our focus will continue to be on working with all levels of government to help ensure something like this never happens again.”
The apology comes the day after Premier Eby announced that the RCMP investigation into the shooting was now in “it’s final stages.”
Eby described the apology as necessary, “yet grossly insufficient for the devastation done to the families of Tumbler Ridge.” He says the government will continue to stand with Mayor Krakowka and the people of Tumbler Ridge in the difficult work ahead.
As for the mayor, he has nothing to say on the letter itself. “The District of Tumbler Ridge is aware of the public letter released this morning by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed to the community,” says a press release from the District. “This continues to be an incredibly difficult time for the Tumbler Ridge community. Many residents, families, and staff are still navigating grief, trauma, and the ongoing process of healing. We recognize that today’s letter may evoke a range of emotions, and we encourage everyone to take the time and space they need.
“Our focus remains on the people of Tumbler Ridge,” says Mayor Krakowka. “Our community continues to navigate the effects of this tragedy. We are committed to supporting those impacted and ensuring that care, respect, and accountability remain at the forefront as we move forward.”
According to the release, mayor and council continue to focus on supporting the community and advocating for accountability, clarity, and continued support. Our priority remains the well-being of residents and the respect for the voices of those impacted.
However, “The District will not be commenting further on the contents of the letter at this time.”
Once the RCMP investigation is finished, a Coroner’s Inquest will be held to review the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. “The District will participate as appropriate and will respect that process as it moves forward. We recognize there are many questions, and those will be important to examine through this process. We ask that care and consideration continue to be shown to all those affected as our community navigates this process.”
No dates have been set, either for the release of information from the RCMP or for the Coroner’s inquest. MLA Larry Neufeld and MP Bob Zimmer continue to advocate for a full public hearing into the incident.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
