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Community shows support for Nyland’s loved ones

Jun 22, 2015 | 5:28 PM

The Prince Albert community has been shattered by a young woman’s death.

Danielle Nyland, 22, went missing in the early hours of June 8. On Friday, her body was found just east of Shellbrook at 6:30 p.m. by RCMP.

Over the last couple of weeks, people have been reaching out on Facebook, wishing Nyland well and hoping for her safe return. After she was found dead, the posts turned to condolences directed at her family and friends, and there were also posts in her memory.  

Jolene Lepine, one of Nyland’s roommates said they had a very special relationship.

“She was our best friend and sister,” she said.

From the day Nyland was reported missing, their group of three girls had been crossing their fingers that she would return safely, all the while feeling that something wasn’t right.

“Everything about it was just weird for us because it was out of the ordinary,” said Lepine, who said they were concerned when she didn’t contact them. “That was not Danielle. She always kept in touch with us when she went out partying or out with family events.”

 “She always kept in touch with all of us.”

When the RCMP announced her body had been located, Lepine said it was crushing.

“It broke us,” said Lepine. “We still had hope that she was coming back alive. For her being found, it was a reality that we don’t really want to be in.”

“It’s going to take some time. We’re still in shock.”

Lepine said she’ll cherish her friend’s memory, describing her as outgoing and fun.

“I’m going to remember her smile, her laugh, the jokes we all shared … just her being here,” she said. “She was a good person, she had a good heart.”

“She saw the best in everyone … gave everyone the benefit of the doubt, gave everyone a chance.”

 

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We’ll miss you AlwaysWe’ll love you ForeverOne things for sureThis isnt goodbye..See you later bestfriend… Spread your wings and fly, you’re amongst the angels now….Rest In Paradise Danielle Lori. </3

Posted by Jolene Lepine on Saturday, June 20, 2015

The Facebook messages and well wishes from the community have had a positive impact on those grieving, according to Lepine.

“It means a lot, to everyone,” she said. “It’s helpful for us to see all the support and strength as everyone comes together.”

“That’s what we need—to stay together and be strong.”

Lepine said her family is coping, but it’s been extremely difficult for them.

“We’re in touch with her family. Her mom and sisters and her uncles, we keep in touch,” she said. “Danielle was the rock of their family because they lost their dad about five years ago.”

“To lose their sister and daughter is just heartbreaking,” she said, her voice shaking through tears.

To cope, the family visited the site where Nyland’s body was found. Lepine and her other roommates went as well.

“We went out to the spot and laid some flowers out,” she said. “We had an elder with us and we smudged and said prayers and thanked the creator for bringing her home.”

“There’s so many families that don’t get their loved ones back that go missing so we’re just thankful that she was found.”

Lepine said they feel lucky to at least have some closure.

“She’s found, not the way that we all wanted her to be, but she’s home.”

Peter Nyland, Danielle’s uncle, talked on Sunday about all the community support, reinforcing how loved Nyland was.

“If you look on her Facebook you can see how many people are on there that wished her well and were hoping for the best.”

And now that it hasn’t been you can see on her Facebook page all the warm wishes to the family and whatnot.”

 

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That night

Lepine clearly remembers the night that Nyland went missing.

“She went out partying and the rest of us worked,” she said. “We just said, ‘see you later,’ and she was like, ‘yeah, I’ll be back later.”

“It was just an ordinary day … and an ordinary night.”

Lepine said Nyland went out with some friends, her ‘partying friends’.

“Nothing about that day stuck out, or the night she was leaving, it was normal,” she said. “We never expected her not to come back.”

Now, Lepine said they’re all just holding their breath, waiting to know what happened to their loved one. Lepine said Nyland really had no reason to visit Shellbrook.

“We’re hoping for some answers because there’s a lot of questions that no one knows the answer to yet,” she continued, “Why was she there? Because that doesn’t make sense.”

Nyland’s sister Jana posted on Facebook Monday night giving details on her sister’s funeral which will be this Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church.

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha