Kealy, Northern Health talk support in wake of deaths of two Fort St. John youth

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The community is reeling after the death of two youth in Fort St. John.

Over the 2025-2026 holiday break, the Fort St. John Minor Hockey Association paid tribute to one of its players who had passed away “unexpectedly.” Around a week later, another youth, Lexi Waldie Siemens, died by suicide.

After receiving a statement from Lexi’s mother, Energeticcity.ca is only identifying Lexi and not the other youth out of respect for their family and friends who are grieving. 

Lexi’s mother, Elisha Waldie, described her daughter as a “happy, healthy, social, beautiful, bright light.”

Peace River North independent MLA Jordan Kealy posted a video to Facebook on Thursday, January 8th, stating “he truly hopes everyone can heal” and will “offer support to those who really need it.”

He also mentioned avenues offered for youth in mental health crises, including the Saplings Mental Health Services program by Northern Health.

“To lose a child to suicide is unfathomable,” said Kealy. “We can’t always see the internal struggles that go on in each other. What we can do is reach out to talk to let people know that they are not alone and that there is help.

“Children should not be feeling like the only way out to deal with things is to end their life. Everyone needs to know that they are loved and supported.”

Meanwhile, Northern Health uploaded a post to Facebook on its Fort St. John page in which they discussed options for anyone to seek aid in the wake of a mental health crisis.

It encourages people to call 310Mental Health Support at 310-6789 for emotional support, information and resources or 1-800-784-2433 for those feeling distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.

Additional resources are 9-8-8 for those thinking about suicide or those worried about someone they know, or Kids Help Phone, which offers professional counselling, information and referrals for youth in both English and French by texting CONNECT to 686868.

Other resources include the KUU-US Crisis Response Service at 1-800-588-8717, which provides culturally-aware crisis support for Indigenous peoples in B.C.; the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service at 1-800-663-1441, which helps find resources and support; and the Northern Health Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811.

“Our thoughts are with everyone in communities in the Peace region following recent tragic events,” reads the post. “ If you or someone you know is struggling, there are a number of mental health and substance use resources that can help.”