‘Heartbreaking loss’: Squamish mourns 8-year-old girl who died in balcony fall

More than 150 mourners gathered in Squamish, B.C., on Wednesday to say goodbye to eight-year-old Gandom Taheri, whose sudden death has shaken the community.

Gandom died on Nov. 11 after falling from a balcony at her father’s apartment in Vancouver. Friends and family say she was known for her gentle nature, creativity and close friendships both in Squamish and at her former school in Vancouver.

“It's a very tough, emotional day for all of us,” said family friend Sukhi Sandhu. “Gandom was full of life and it’s heartbreaking that she’s gone.”

During the ceremony, flowers were placed beside her grave as family members from Iran and Brazil stood alongside community members offering support.

‘A beautiful soul’

Gandom’s mother, Mahsa Hedayatzadeh, is deeply rooted in Squamish through her work as director of Willowbrae Academy’s child-care centre. She is currently pregnant, and friends say Gandom had been excited to become a big sister.

“Gandom had a beautiful way about her and a beautiful soul,” said Geoff Stollery, the academy’s CEO, who still wears a bracelet Gandom made for him.

Friends say she loved Persian music, art, popcorn and looking after younger children. She often made bracelets to give away, and classmates described her as someone they looked up to.

Community rallying around family

An online fundraiser has raised more than $41,000 to support Hedayatzadeh and help cover funeral costs.

“It’s going to be a very tough journey ahead,” Sandhu said. “We are there for her.”

Vancouver police still investigating

The Vancouver Police Department says it has gathered a clear understanding of how the fall happened but is sharing details with the family before releasing them publicly.

“We have a clear picture of what transpired,” said Sgt. Steve Addison. “Police investigate all sudden deaths to determine whether criminality is involved.”

No findings have yet been released.