Mayor offers condolences to family of Charlie Lake victim as college sets up supports

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The mayor of Fort St. John has offered her condolences to the family of the man who was killed at Charlie Lake.

Lilia Hansen offered her condolences to the family of Gurkirat Singh Manocha who was killed on March 13th, 2026.

“On behalf of Fort St. John city council, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Gurkirat Singh Manocha during this deeply difficult time,” the mayor said in a media release.

Manocha was a student at Northern Lights College in Fort St. John, but he was originally from the city Ujjain in the state of Madhya Pradesh in central India.

Police were called to the Charlie Lake boat ramp just after 11:10 p.m. on March 13th after reports several people were involved in an “altercation.”

It was later confirmed, on March 13th, that Manocha had died.

The mayor also extended her sympathies to the Sikh community, both in Fort St. John and across the province. 

“I also want to extend my sincere sympathies to the Sikh community, here in Fort St. John and beyond. We recognize and respect the Sikh values of remembrance, sangat—coming together in community—and seva, the spirit of selfless service. These traditions offer strength, care, and connection in moments of loss,and we stand in solidarity with you as you honour Gurkirat’s life.

Mohan Yadav, a politician from Manocha’s home state of Madhya Pradesh, recently offered his condolences to the family. 

Resources for students at Northern Lights College who may need further support during this time are being offered, including a quiet space at the Atrium on the Fort St. John campus to pray, reflect and mourn.

Students can also additional support through their GuardMe student support page.