‘Nobody deserves to die like this’

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This article was published 22/09/2019 (1929 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dozens of people gathered on Balmoral Street to remember much-loved Norma (Bambi) Andrews, even as forensic investigators continued to scour the house where she was found dead Saturday afternoon.

Andrews, 28, was from God’s River First Nation. Her father and other family members drove in from Thunder Bay, Ont., just in time for Monday’s vigil.

Her two sons, Julian and Gabe, were her “life,” Tammy Green said.

“She was my best friend — more, she was my sister,” Green said, overcome with tears and grasping flowers to leave at the site.

“Nobody deserves to die like this.”

Despite swirling rumours about Andrews’ death, police have released few details.

Some at the vigil held signs asking “What happened to Bambi?”

Neighbours believe the Balmoral Street home was recently boarded up. Forensic investigators searched around the house with flashlights while people sang, “Keep on dancing, promise me you’ll stay.” Drummers leaned up against the identification unit van as evidence was being processed inside.

Police had suggested organizers move across the street, but as the crowd swelled up against the police tape and spilled onto Balmoral, officers pulled out lights and directed cars to go around.

Friends said they knew Andrews from working in the sex trade.

“She was trying to pull herself together,” said Lisa, who asked that her last name not be used.

“I don’t know why anyone would do that to her.”

Andrews’ family declined to speak directly to media. Her grandfather R. Okemow, who declined to give his first name, led prayers — first to the Creator, then in English thanking the crowd.

“Our heart has been broken,” he said.

“Thank you Lord Jesus for the kindness of these people who’ve come and opened their hearts… I ask you for the blessings in the harder things to come, when we take Norma home and lay her in the ground.”

Several people walked through the vigil with smudge bowls, the sweet smoke wafting through the thick crowd.

Her family plans to speak about Andrews’ death at a later date.

tvanderhart@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @tessavanderhart