Carlton’s Thunderchild loses battle after being hospitalized with COVID-19

By paNOW staff

Victor Thunderchild, a well-known and well-respected Prince Albert high school student counselor died Saturday morning after being hospitalized with COVID-19. He was with the school for nearly 30 years.

Victor Thunderchild was in hospital with COVID-19 since April 2.

“We are heartbroken with the news of Victor’s passing. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and every heart that he touched,” Carlton Principal Jeff Court said. “Victor was a staple in our school/community and will be missed immensely.”

Safe Schools Saskatchewan Advocacy believed Thunderchild’s death could have been prevented with more measures.

“We have members of our admin team connected to Prince Albert so we were aware. We are also in shock and vacillate between sadness and rage. His death was preventable. We will continue to fight for the safety of school staff and students,” Safe Schools Saskatchewan said in a statement.

Condolences, well wishes, and tributes poured onto Thunderchild’s Facebook page, including from friends, family members, and those who were inspired by Thunderchild as students and pupils.

A screenshot of some comments of condolences on Victor Thunderchild’s Facebook page. (paNOW)

On April 5, Thunderchild sounded the alarm on COVID-19 affecting teachers and school staff, and urged Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe to make school staff essential workers.

Thank you @PremierScottMoe for not thinking we’re essential workers, as I sit in the @PAHealthDept Vic hospital recovering from Covid-19. Get my fellow teachers vaccinated, before this happens to anyone else.

— vic65tc (@VicThunderchild) April 5, 2021

The Saskatchewan Rivers School Division confirmed Thunderchild’s passing but did not wish to comment further. The Saskatchewan Teacher’s Federation did not immediately respond for comment.