Dear Parents/Guardians:
I am writing this letter to share some very sad news. We had shared with families previously that
Cooper Nemeth, a River East Collegiate student, was missing. We were profoundly saddened to
learn late last night that Cooper has passed away. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Cooper’s
family and all those whose lives he touched.
Cooper’s death is a senseless loss that is devastating to us all. He was a young man with many
friends who touched the lives of many. He will be dearly missed by his Kodiak family here at River
East Collegiate. He had a passion for sport and his loss will also be felt by many in the hockey
community, particularly those he had such close bonds with on the Marauders hockey team. He
was looking forward to graduation in June and beginning a new chapter in his life.
We are sharing this information with our students so that they are aware of what has happened.
Many students joined us at Gateway Community Center last night to mourn the loss of Cooper
and share their favorite memories and stories. Counsellors, staff and divisional support personnel
have been and will continue to be available to students, staff and parents on an ongoing basis.
Please call the school at (204) 338-4611 if you would like to talk to someone.
The circumstances surrounding Cooper’s death are still under investigation by police. There may
be reporters near the school as they investigate this story. Please reassure your children that they
need not respond to any reporter’s questions if they are approached.
Finally, we appreciate the incredible outpouring of support as many joined the search efforts to
bring Cooper home. Thank you to our Kodiaks, the many young people from other high schools,
members of the hockey community, parents, community members, and businesses who showed
an incredible level of caring and compassion in our community by tirelessly supporting this effort.
Thank you also to the hard working members of the Winnipeg Police Service who worked so
diligently in their investigation and continue to do so.
Our thoughts rest with Cooper’s family as they struggle to make sense of this tragedy. We
encourage all in our Kodiak community to take care of each other as we strive to cope with this
tremendous loss and to support one another.
Sincerely,
Diana Posthumus
Principal, River East Collegiate