Family and friends gathered for a vigil ceremony on Friday to remember Tia Blood at the spot where the missing woman’s body was found earlier this week.
Dozens of people gathered to show their support, lining the stretch of road in a rural area southwest of Coalhurst, joining to embrace one another as a group of drummers sang and prayers were spoken.
“No child deserves this, to lose their mother” said Cara Blood, speaking of her sister’s two sons.
Cousin Melissa Many Fingers echoed that part of the family’s loss.
“She absolutely adored her boys and went above and beyond for them. Tia lived for them, and they were her world,” said Many Fingers, reading from a prepared statement. “Tia was an amazing lady who loved with her whole heart, words cannot explain what Tia meant to her loved ones. We will hold her memories close to us. She was a big piece of our heart and that piece can never be replaced. This has been so devastating for our family. We loved her so very much. She was such a beautiful soul and she mattered. She is going to be missed.”
RCMP confirmed earlier this week that a body discovered Monday was that of the 34-year-old Lethbridge woman, who had been missing since Oct. 19. An autopsy conducted at the Calgary Office of the Chief Medical Examiner deemed the manner of death inconclusive.
Cousin Jennifer Many Bears said the family is in need of support.
“Her family and her boys need all the prayers right now. It will be hard moving forward. She was a big part to everybody’s life. It’s the family that needs their prayers,” said Many Bears. “It’s a shock to everybody, that this could happen to somebody so kind and loving. She was such a kind and gentle soul. She would always be there, she was a friend that you could always talk to and not worry about judgement. You could always go to her for anything. If you needed anything she was there.”
The family says they are thankful for the support they have already received.
“People have reach out, bringing food, showing their support as much as they can. We are so grateful,” said Many Fingers.
RCMP said earlier the investigation is continuing. On Wednesday police announced that they had charged 20-year-old Hunter Alexander Frank, of Lethbridge, after he was arrested in relation to the investigation. He has been charged with offering an indignity to human remains and two counts of theft under $5000. His next court appearance is set for Nov. 4.
Police are asking those that may have information regarding the disappearance or death of Tia Blood, to please contact the Coaldale RCMP at (403) 345-5552. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.
https://lethbridgeherald.com/news/lethbridge-news/2022/10/29/vigil-honours-memory-of-missing-woman/
