Police reveal how Harrow, Ont., family died as investigation continues
3 family members fatally shot; father died of self-inflicted gunshot wound
WARNING: This story contains discussion of intimate partner violence and suicide.
Three family members in Harrow, Ont., south of Windsor, died of gunshot wounds in June, the Ontario Provincial Police announced on Saturday.
Carly Walsh, 41, and her children, Madison, 13, and Hunter, 8 — who were found dead in their home on June 20 — died of gunshots wounds, Sgt. Ed Sanchuk said in a video posted to OPP West Region's social media accounts.
Sanchuk also said Steve Walsh, Carly's husband and the children's father, who was also found in the home, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
"The initial investigation has determined that this is a case of intimate partner violence," he said, adding it remains a serious problem in Ontario.
UPDATE: Death investigation in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Harrow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Harrow</a>. Cause of death determined. Thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating tragedy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPP</a> continues to investigate. Further updates will follow when new information is available. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WROPP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WROPP</a> ^es <a href="https://t.co/S2vEp8VrPn">pic.twitter.com/S2vEp8VrPn</a>
—@OPP_WRThe incident has had a "huge impact" on Harrow because it is a small, tight-knit community where everybody knows everybody, Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy previously told CBC News.
Bondy said Carly Walsh was very involved in the community, working local jobs, coaching soccer and working at the youth centre.
"We have such a small community and everything's connected. Just about every area of the town is impacted."
Dozens of people came to mourn Carly, Madison and Hunter at a funeral on Tuesday in Windsor.
For anyone affected by family or intimate partner violence, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services. If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.
If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:
- Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on the website.
- Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre.
- This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about.
- Those in the Windsor-Essex area of Ontario can also call Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare's 24-hour crisis line: 519-973-4435.