By Alex Soloducha

Vigil for Danielle Nyland lights up the sky

Jun 26, 2015 | 6:41 AM

It was night of celebration to commemorate the life of Danielle Nyland.

More than 200 people from Prince Albert and area gathered for a candlelight vigil in memory of the 22-year-old who was found dead by the RCMP last week.

At 10 p.m. on Thursday night by the North Saskatchewan River, people of all ages and all walks of life took the time to light lanterns and let them go into the sky while the song “When I see you again” played out into the night.

“It’s been a long day without you, my friend … And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again…”

Nyland’s closest friends took the time to plan the event as a way to close the recent chapter in their lives that has caused them so much pain, giving way to a loving celebration.

Commitment

Hildebrand commits to Bemidji State in NCAA DII, first NCAA commitment in Raiders history

16m ago

Inflation

Rent inflation to slow in the next few years, Desjardins predicts

1h ago

Pa Votes 2024

LIVE: Results of the municipal election

18h ago

Danielle McDermott, Nyland’s close friend and roommate, said for her, it’s been difficult.

“Honestly, it was really devastating to lose our friend,” she said. “She was a beautiful person and she didn’t deserve what happened to her.”

“If there was foul play, if there was none, she didn’t deserve it at all.”

The emotion  was visible on her face as she thought about it.

“She was only 22 years old,” McDermott continued.

Still, she said the releasing of the lanterns was an amazing experience.

“[It was] a really good feeling,” she said. “I got goosebumps.”

McDermott said the event was a happy one because of all the support and outreach. In total, they were able to raise $600 to put it on.

“It was awesome seeing everyone come down here and come together from a little post on Facebook,” she said.

Tori Brazeau, a one-time co-worker of Nyland, said she soon became one of her closest friends.

“I really loved her. She was just such a bright person,” she said. “She just made everything better, like if someone was feeling down, she would always raise their spirit up.”

She also helped organize the event, and said they had a simple but meaningful goal. 

“Just to remember, and have one last memorial for her that would lighten everyone’s lives up one last time … and what better way to do it then to light lanterns,” she said.

“It was so beautiful.”

When she looked around at the crowd, she was fulfilled, but not surprised.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “It just shows how loved she was.”

“We thank everyone for coming out and showing their support.”

Janelle Hipkiss, said she regrets not seeing her friend enough.

“I live in Saskatoon now and every time I think about it I think I should’ve been home more,” she explained.

She thought of Nyland, smiling.

“Her laughter was infectious,” she said. “It made everyone turn and look.”

“It was just amazing.”

 Hipkiss said both them, as Nyland’s friends, as well as her mother and family, have been overwhelmed by the great community support.

“Everyone loved Danielle, and it shows,” she said.  

As the last lantern drifted into the sky, a feeling of hope began to return.

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha