Some Newmarket residents are reeling after a man died by suicide at the Walmart at 17940 Yonge St. last night.
York Regional Police and York Region Paramedic Services were on the scene. Media relations officer Const. Maniva Armstrong said she could not provide details as it was a medical health call but said there was a response due to an injury to the male Dec. 22.
But witnesses reported the man dying after losing a battle with mental health. Heather Pollock said in a Facebook post that she witnessed the scene and immediately stepped in to administer first aid.
“We couldn’t help," Pollock said. "I know those of us there are devastated and impacted by the events.”
Authorities have not disclosed the man’s name or any other personal details, which is standard policy when a suicide has occurred. NewmarketToday did not immediately receive a response from police as to whether any investigation is ongoing.
Hundreds of people have reacted and commented on social media to accounts of the incident. Pollock said you should not assume anything about the person’s situation but added it is vital to reduce mental health stigma.
“If you see someone in crisis or needing first aid, help them,” Pollock said. “Christmas is not joyful for some people. I am one of them. It can be a time of pain and sorrow, anxiety and depression, isolation and final straws.”
She added that first aid training is also an important thing to have and she has used hers many times.
Chris Dupee is co-founder of Cadence Health and Wellness, a Newmarket-based mental health support service aimed at military and first responders. He said an incident like this one can leave a mark on people.
“No doubt there are dozens of witnesses that will need support in the coming months and years who saw what happened,” Dupee said on Facebook. “Reach out to your neighbours. Wish them a Merry Christmas and let them know they are not invisible but valued as a neighbour and community member. We are all in this together.”
When asked to comment on the incident and employee support, Walmart Canada said it is aware of what took place and directed to police for further details.
"The safety of our associates and customers is a top priority," the company said. "We are supporting our associates."
Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen offered his condolences to the loved ones of the departed in a statement on social media.
"My thoughts are also with those who were on location at the time it happened," he said. "The holidays are a difficult time for many, especially as we spend another holiday season in a pandemic, limiting our interactions with family and friends. Reach out and check in on your loved ones and your neighbours."
Pollock said people need to be kind to one another, regardless of the situation.
“After tonight and watching and feeling someone pass in my arms, I wish that everyone would take that helpless feeling and be grateful for what you have,” she said. “May this soul rest easy.”
