Vigil planned in Harrow, Ont., where police investigate sudden deaths of a family of 4

Samantha Craggs · CBC News

· Posted: Jun 22, 2024 9:23 AM EDT | Last Updated: June 22

The small town of Harrow, Ont., will gather at a vigil Sunday evening for a family of four found dead at their rural home.

The candlelight vigil will be at the Harrow soccer fields. The Facebook page for the event — hosted by Mayor Sherry Bondy, among others — says “the world lost a beautiful family” this week.

“These people would light up any room they walked in. Their smiles, their laughs, even their jokes,” it says.

“The love that everyone in this town has for these individuals is outstanding.”

Police have still released few details about the incident, which involved the deaths of a mother, father and two children.

WATCH | Police give update on deaths:

Derek Rogers, a regional media relations co-ordinator for the OPP, gives an update to reporters after four people were found dead at a home in Harrow, Ont. Rogers said he was unable to answer questions about the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Police described it as a “sudden death investigation” where there is no broader concern for public safety.

Derek Rogers, spokesperson for OPP West Region, says police were called to a home at 1200 County Road 13 around 1:30 p.m. ET Thursday. He called the scene “an unimaginable tragedy.”

Rogers told a news conference Friday afternoon that it’s too early in the investigation to determine what happened and no arrests have been made. 

Police haven’t released the names of the family or the cause of death. 

But family friend Treena Upcott say the mom worked hard for her family and community. 

“She was an amazing person, an amazing friend,” said Upcott, a nail technician who also had regular appointments with the woman for more than a decade.

“There’s no way really to describe the loss for the community.”

Upcott says the woman’s daughter and son would also tag along to the studio and always wanted to lend a hand. The girl was bubbly and smart, she said. The boy was full of energy, always running around. He also loved picking out colours for his sister.

Harrow, a southwestern Ontario town near Lake Erie, is about a 45-minute drive south of Windsor.

Bondy said Friday it’s a small, tight-knit community where everybody knows everybody.

She said the mother was very involved in the community, working local jobs, coaching soccer and working at the local youth centre.

“Just about every area of the town is impacted,” she said.

Flags flew at half-mast at municipal buildings yesterday, and the Harrow Health Centre is offering free counselling to members of the community experiencing grief and distress.

Vigil organizers said online that they’ll be collecting donations at the 7 p.m. event to help remaining family pay for funeral arrangements. 

Investigators were still at the home on the rural road Friday. On a utility pole, under yellow police caution tape, someone pinned a card and a pink and white flower. 

WATCH | Essex mayor on community’s grief:

Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy speaks about the community’s grief after four people in one family were found dead. She says resources are available for those who need help.