A southern Alberta school division is mourning the loss of one of its teachers, Ania Kaminski, who was tragically killed in a double homicide over the weekend. Kaminski, an elementary school educator in Cochrane, northwest of Calgary, was confirmed as one of the victims in the killings on Sunday.
In a statement released Tuesday, Rocky View Schools expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of Kaminski, describing her as a cherished member of the educational community. “Ania Kaminski will be deeply missed by her colleagues, students, and friends,” the statement read. “Her impact on the lives of those around her was immense, and we are grateful for the years she spent shaping the lives of our students and staff.”
Kaminski, in her 30s, had previously worked in Airdrie and Springbank before joining the school in Cochrane. Her passing has left a profound impact on both her colleagues and the students she taught.
The police investigation into the killings revealed that the other victim was Kaminski’s father, Stanislaw Wardzala, aged 70. Both victims were found dead at separate locations in Calgary. Authorities initiated a manhunt for Kaminski’s spouse, Benedict Kaminski, aged 38, who was later found deceased in a rural area northwest of Calgary.
Police confirmed that Benedict Kaminski had no prior criminal history, and no known motives for the killings have been established, though they are believed to have been targeted. The investigation is ongoing.
The school division has announced that support services are being made available to students and staff affected by the tragedy. “We encourage parents to reach out to their school’s administrators if their children need support during this difficult time,” the division said.
In response to the devastating loss, a GoFundMe page was launched by a family friend to support Ania Kaminski’s three children. By Tuesday afternoon, the campaign had raised over $120,000, with supporters describing her as a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Autopsies for both victims are scheduled for Friday, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
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