‘Absolutely devastated’ community mourns Dendrae Thunder Lonechild

About a hundred people gathered together on a windy Thursday evening in Regina to pay respects to Dendrae Thunder Lonechild at a candlelight vigil.

The 16-year-old boy was hit and killed by a vehicle around 13th Avenue and Garnet Street in Cathedral neighbourhood at about 1 a.m.

The vigil was held on 13th Avenue between Garnet Street and Cameron Street.

Lonechild grew up in Cathedral and attended Sheldon Williams Collegiate.

People gathered were encouraged by members of Lonechild’s family to honour his memory by creating messages with chalk on the street and near the steps of Holy Rosary Cathedral.

Messages of well wishes created by friends, family and all else who attended Thursday’s candlelight vigil.
April 27, 2023. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

“I’m absolutely devastated from what happened,” said Almer Standingready, Lonechild’s 18-year-old cousin.

Standingready was very close with Lonechild, and the two both attended high school together.

“He was joyful, a really good kid. He always went to class always (showed) up to school every day — really nice guy (and he) was fun to hang out with.”

Like with the rest of Lonechild’s family, Standingready still wants more answers on how Lonechild died.

He said that as of Thursday, the family hasn’t got any updates on the circumstances of Lonechild’s death.

The life of Dendrae Thunder Lonechild was honoured through song and dance near Holy Rosary Cathedral.
April 27, 2023 (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

Regina Police Service has said that the collision wasn’t a hit and run, but it’s unclear whether or not the driver will face charges.

“He was a really good guy, just an honest, decent guy. He was always there to talk to you, just a nice dude in general,” said Logan Rostad, friend and fellow student at Sheldon.

Lonechild was honoured with a pipe ceremony as well as through song and dance.