Kelowna teen remembered as polite, active young man after fatal assault

Aunt remembers slain teen

Photo: Contributed

Gordie Perreault, 18, killed in assault on January 24th

Gordie Perreault is being remembered by his aunt Shanny Morris as a polite, active young man who loved hiking, fishing, and spending time with friends.

Perreault, 18, was killed in a fatal assault on Saturday, Jan. 24, in Kelowna.

RCMP say they were called at 8:20 p.m. to reports of “an assault between two groups” near Springfield and Benvoulin roads. Officers found the teen with life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to hospital by paramedics but later died.

“I just want Gordie to be remembered as the young man who didn't like bullies. He was always polite, as I raised him to be. This is a huge shock for everyone around who knew Gordie,” Morris said.

Morris raised Perreault since he was two years old after taking him in from the system, giving him a childhood full of outdoor activities.

Police said the investigation remains on going, but did confirm the incident appears to have been targeted.

Morris said she received the devastating news in person after officers told her it was urgent they meet.

“It was a huge, huge shock for me,” she said.

She added that she has been given little information about what led to Perreault's death.

According to Morris, he attended Mount Boucherie Secondary School prior to his death.

''He needed a few more credits to get his diploma...he received the credits with encouragement from his teachers at the school. I thank them all for their support, kindness and encouragement for helping Gordie successfully achieve his grade 12 diploma."

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online.