Airdrie family found dead in rural Saskatchewan

An Airdrie couple and their toddler son were found dead in the ditch alongside a Saskatchewan rural road, May 28.

A passing motorist made the grisly discovery around 1:30 p.m. near St. Walburg, located about 100 km northeast of Lloydminster, according to Saskatchewan RCMP.

Darren Wourms, 26, his wife Hayley, 23, and Cayden, 2, were pronounced dead on scene with a .22 calibre rifle found nearby. Although police aren’t confirming the incident is a double-murder suicide, Saskatchewan RCMP Sgt. Paul Dawson said it doesn’t appear anyone else was involved.

“There is no indication of any other individual being involved in the death of these individuals,” said RCMP Sgt. Paul Dawson, adding it’s too early to know how long the bodies had been in the ditch before being discovered.

Airdrie police officers attended the family’s home on April 24 after receiving a 911 call. The caller indicated other family members were concerned for the well-being of Wourms and his family.

Police confirmed Wourms was taken to hospital for a psychiatric evaluation but no criminal charges were laid.

According to Sgt. Patricia Neely of the Airdrie RCMP, Alberta Mental Health Services, Child and Family Services, Airdrie and District Victims Services and domestic violence counsellors were working with the family.

In a statement released by the Wourms family on May 30, the family revealed the young man was released from a Calgary hospital in April with medication. He was scheduled for a follow up psychiatric assessment the day the bodies were found.

“Within the last five months we have recognized that Darren’s mental health deteriorated,” said the family. “He was battling a depression that none of us fully understood. Hayley supported him through it all.”

The young couple, who were married in July 2009, were visiting family in Saskatchewan when the incident took place. The family also revealed how difficult the news has been for them.

“Darren, Hayley and Cayden were a beautiful and faith-filled family,” they said. “Hayley was a light wherever she went. She was deeply loved by our entire family. Cayden was a social butterfly who loved his cousins. His dimpled grin is a memory we’ll always cherish. Darren was a devoted father and loving husband who absolutely adored Hayley and Cayden.

“The beauty and success of their family makes it all the harder to accept or understand this tragedy.”