Paige LeClairThe search for missing 16-year-old Trinity Poil came to a tragic end this week after the OPP identified a body found in the Ottawa River on May 9th.
Trinity, a Grade 11 student at Valour High School in Petawawa, suddenly disappeared on the night of February 12th, during one of the worst snow storms of the year, leaving no trace as to her whereabouts.
She also missed what would have been her 17th birthday on March 28th.
Her mother, Tammy Poil, worried about her daughter’s safety, and well-being, and wanted Trinity’s laptop to be better examined for any clues because she had a lot of online friends.
On April 26th, Tammy posted on the Facebook page dedicated to finding Trinity two weeks before the police discovery, that the family had sent her laptop to an organization in British Columbia for further inspection.
“Today is a momentous day! Trinity’s laptop is currently on its long journey to B.C. Today, thanks to all the wonderful people who donated to the go fund me, we were able to send out Trinity’s laptop for a second look with a private company!! This is amazing and we pray it will bring us something to understand why she left and lead us to where she is. The support of the community and the nation has been absolutely amazing and has helped keep our hope and spirits up through this absolute nightmare. So thank you, everyone. We love you all and value the support from each and every one of you!! Now we wait. The process takes 20 long days. Please cross your fingers and pray they find something.”
During the search for Trinity, another missing-person incident occurred on May 5th. A 17-year-old Petawawa-area teen reportedly entered the Petawawa River.
The OPP have since completed their search for the teen on May 7th, with negative results from the Upper Ottawa Valley OPP’s Marine Unit.
Since the identification of Trinity, the military community has come together to help the Poil family in many ways.
On Tuesday, a vigil was held at Valour High School to honour Trinity, with candles, songs, and memories of her from students at school.
On May 14 Tracey Barkett Serviss, spokesperson for the Poil family, and who also worked closely with Trinity at Valour posted a message on the Trinity Poil Facebook group which has over 3,000 members.
“The hardest post to write. It has been confirmed that Trinity was the person found. Our search is over, but the healing is just beginning. Thank you all for your love and support. Trinity’s family is forever grateful for the compassion our community and beyond have shown them these impossibly sad three months.”
Tammy Poil and Patrick Reddick attended the beginning of the vigil but didn’t stay, returning home to spend time with their boys.
The Petawawa Military Wives Choir was in attendance and ended the evening by singing Amazing Grace.
A Celebration of Life Service is being held at Germania Hall, Pembroke on Sunday, May 26th from 2 – 3 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to the PFLAG Canada – Renfrew County in Trinity’s name or the Robbie Dean Family Counselling Centre.
People wishing to express their sympathy or want to send a personal note to the family can send a card to the Poil Family to:
Valour School
Attn: Poil Family
19 Leeder Lane
Petawawa ON K8H 0B8
Funds raised on the GoFund Me page to find Trinity will be used to pay for Trinity’s funeral.
If you are interested in helping the Poil family during this difficult time, a meal train has been set up to support them.
