Thousands Raised For Ontario Couple Who Reportedly Died In The Nova Scotia Shooting

A deadly mass shooting in Nova Scotia has sent the entire country into mourning over the weekend. With 19 victims currently being reported dead, the Nova Scotia shooting has also reportedly taken the lives of a retired Ontario couple. Dawn and Frank Gulenchyn are now being presumed dead after their house was set on fire during the shooter's rampage.

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According to CTV News, the couple lived in the Durham region before retiring and moving to Nova Scotia last July. Dawn's sons Jon and Ryan Farrington said their mother's home was in the path of the gunman's killing spree.

CNN reported that the shooter, later identified as Gabriel Wortman, travelled over 150 kilometres on April 18 through April 19 along rural roads, killing 19 people while setting properties on fire.

According to CP24, the Farringtons claim their parents' house was burned to the ground, and neighbours reported hearing gunshots.

However, RCMP are still going through the house in attempts to find the bodies. 

A GoFundMe page was set up on April 20 by Emily Cooper, a family friend, to assist with funerals and memorials.

It has raised over $11,000 despite having an original goal of just $2,000.

"Please join us in supporting our friends, brothers, and co-workers Jon & Ryan Farrington through the terrible events that occurred in Portapique Nova Scotia on April 19 that tragically claimed their mother and stepfather, Dawn and Frank Gulenchyn," reads a statement on the fundraiser.

[rebelmouse-image 25978143 photo_credit="Emily Cooper | GoFundMe" expand=1 original_size="1245x615"]

"The support you are giving is greatly appreciated by the Farrington family. Thoughts and prayers go out to all families affected during this time," it adds.

The Region of Durham also released a statement on Monday morning to pay respects to the couple. 

"On behalf of the Region of Durham and our residents, I'd like to offer my sincere condolences to everyone affected by the tragic shootings in Nova Scotia," it reads.

"This tragedy hits especially close to home, as two of the victims were long-time residents."

According to the statement, Dawn used to work at the Hillsdale Terraces long-term care home before retiring back in 2019. 

After her retirement, the couple moved out of the province to Nova Scotia. 

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