A St. Albert teen who died last week after being attacked in north Edmonton is being remembered by community members as an engaging youth with many friends.
Both Lorne Akins and Hillgrove School communities are “devastated” following the death of Grade 9 student Broden Radomske, according to St. Albert Public School communications manager Paula Power. Radomske attended Lorne Akins but was previously a Hillgrove student.
“It’s really hard for kids to imagine that one of their peers could pass away,” she said.
Power heard from staff at both schools that Radomske had a wide group of friends and loved to play hockey and basketball.
Radomske was well-liked by both students and staff, she said.
“One of the assistant principals said to me that he had this sparkle in his eye,” she said. “He was just that kind of young man that was engaging and that people like to be around. He had a great sense of humour and a great group of friends, and I think they're going to be missing him for a long time.”
“My best friend and closest of 15 years, I can't believe he has been taken,” said Radomske’s friend Seth Mathisen on Facebook. “My family and his are grieving so hard.”
“We were deeply saddened to lose a member of our hockey community this week,” the St. Albert Minor Hockey Association said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “Broden will be forever remembered by his coaches, teammates, and the entire hockey community.”
Man charged in death
Edmonton police have charged Keith James Landry, 40, with second-degree murder in Radomske’s death.
Radomske was attacked last Tuesday evening near 137 Avenue and 184 Street in Edmonton.
He was walking in the area with his mother and his pit bull at the time of the attack. She told the Edmonton Journal she and her son knew the assailant in passing, and believed the attack was triggered by a mental health episode.
Police and paramedics attempted to save Radomske’s life, but the 15-year-old died at the scene.
The Edmonton medical examiner confirmed on Friday Radomske died from a stab wound.
On Monday, Landry appeared via video in Edmonton’s mental health court. Justice Jody Moher confirmed that an Edmonton Remand Centre psychiatrist assessed Landry’s mental fitness and found him fit to stand trial.
“This is a tragic loss that has impacted the whole community, and our hearts go out to the victim’s family, friends, classmates and others who have been affected by the senseless death of a young person,” said EPS Homicide Staff Sergeant Colin Leathem in a news release last Friday. “We want to reassure the community that the suspect has been apprehended and there is no risk to public safety.”
GoFundMe raises over $20,000
A GoFundMe campaign created to support Radomske’s family raised $10,605 in under 24 hours.
The campaign's fundraising goal was originally set to $10,000, but was adjusted to $15,000.
As of press time, $20,210 has been raised through the platform, and 264 donors have contributed.
"As a parent community, we have started this fundraiser to help support Broden Radomske's grandmother and family during this incredibly difficult time," the campaign’s organizers wrote. "We know we cannot take their pain away, but hopefully we can help take away some of the financial burden while they try and absorb this tremendous loss."
The campaign is still accepting donations.
Schools activate crisis response
St. Albert Public Schools activated its mental health crisis response team at Lorne Akins Junior High and Hillgrove School on Wednesday.
Mental health professionals are available for any student of staff member at either of the schools.
“It’s just really about making kids aware of what’s going on, and then helping them understand that whatever they’re feeling, it’s OK,” Power said. “They’re going to feel all sorts of things, and there is help for them to work through all of that.”
School staff will reach out to students who may be struggling but have not come forward to speak with a counsellor. The extra support from mental health professionals will be available at both schools as long as there is a need for it, Powers said.
Classes at the schools have not been interrupted, but students can leave class to speak to a counsellor.
Death not connected to previous incident
St. Albert RCMP said a man who was uttering threats near where Radomske was attacked is not connected with Radomske’s death.
Last Monday, one day before Radomske was attacked, St. Albert RCMP responded to a call at 137 Avenue and 184 Street. A man had been throwing garbage and rocks at the caller’s vehicle.
“When the victim confronted the suspect, the suspect threatened him with a knife,” said Cpl. Troy Savinkoff in an email. “The suspect then left the area prior to police arrival. The suspect did not leave his vehicle during this altercation.”
RCMP said they have identified a suspect in the case and do not believe the man is in any way related to “the recent homicide that [the Edmonton Police Service] is currently investigating.”
