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As funerals being for five killed in Calgary stabbing, one family steps forward

As funerals being for five killed in Calgary stabbing, one family steps forward

As the families of five young men and woman killed in a tragic Calgary stabbing in last week prepare to remember their loved ones at a series of funerals in the coming days, one family is breaking their silence and speaking out about the loss of their son, and how they are managing to cope in the face of tragedy.

Zackariah Rathwell, Josh Hunter, Jordan Segura, Lawrence Hong and Kaiti Perras were killed last Tuesday morning after being stabbed while attending an end-of-year house party near the University of Calgary campus.

Three funerals are to be held on Monday. And while the families have all asked for privacy and respect, one family has shared their thoughts following the death of their son.

The family of Zackariah Rathwell released a personal statement through the Calgary Police Service over the weekend, calling the young musician an amazing person who bettered the lives of his family and friends.

"We are devastated by what happened. It is a struggle every day to understand that Zackariah won’t be coming home. He was so close to so many, and touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with," reads the statement.

"We would also like to thank everyone who has offered their prayers and condolences. We know that as we grieve, the city of Calgary grieves with us. Thank you for all your thoughts and all your prayers. Thank you for caring about Zack.

"He was an amazing kid who grew into an amazing man. We didn't have him for very long, but we are so very grateful for the time that we did have him. We are all going to miss him so much."

Rathwell, 23, was the lead singer and guitarist of Zackariah and the Prophets, a local alt-rock band that has released an album the weekend before the fatal attack. He was also a promising student at the Alberta College of Art and Design. College president Daniel Doz previously referred to Rathwell as an "esteemed first-year student."

The Rathwell family says they will launch a scholarship to help other students pursue their dreams in the arts.

Rathwell's funeral will be held at a Calgary church on Tuesday afternoon. But three others killed in last weekend's tragedy will be laid to rest on Monday.

Separate services will be held for Segura, Hunter and Perras on Monday. Hong's funeral is planned for Wednesday.

While the services will be separate, the families of the five Brentwood stabbing victims have shared a great deal since their children were taken last weekend. All of the young adults were post-secondary students with bright futures, brought together at an end-of-year party through a common bond. Their families now say they have their own bond.

"In this time of tremendous grief and tragedy, our five families have come together as one," the five families said in a joint statement released last week.

"As a group, we have come together to support one another, and in time, start the healing process. First, we must say goodbye to our loved ones, which includes memorials and funerals over the coming days and weeks," the families wrote.

Hunter, 22, was a University of Calgary student and the drummer in Zackariah and the Prophets. His obituary described him as a beloved member of a large family.

"There are no words to describe the absolute devastation and heartbreak we feel over the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved Josh. Josh approached life with joy, gratitude and a positive outlook and anyone who met him was touched by his smile. We will forever miss that smile," it read.

Perras, 23, was a Mount Royal University student with a love of dance. Those attending her funeral on Monday are urged to wear "colourful attire." A dance scholarship has been established under her name through the Counterpoint Dance Acadamey Marda Loop.

Segura, 23, was a religious studies student at the University of Calgary and was described in his obituary as "a gentle and kind soul who was a special friend to so many."

His family is planting a tree at the Fish Creek Provincial Park in his name.

Hong, 27, an urban studies student at the University of Calgary, was also a dedicated volunteer who worked with the Calgary Folk Music Festival. Festival organizers lauded his "dedication and volunteer spirit." His funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon.

Matthew de Grood, 22, has been charged with five counts of first-degree murder in connect to the deaths. Police allege he arrived as an invited guest at the house party shortly after midnight on Tuesday, April 15, found a knife and began targeting people “one-by-one.” He is currently being held in a psychiatric facility and is expected to make his next court appearance on Tuesday.

His father, Doug de Grood, a 33-year veteran on the Calgary Police Service, spoke publicly over the weekend and expressed his remorse to the families and friends of the victims.

"Your lives have been turned upside down. We know words cannot ease your pain and suffering," he said. "Please accept our deepest condolences and know you are in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers."

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