Vigil for murdered Vernon teen includes domestic violence warning

A candlelight vigil was held Wednesday evening in memory of Ashley Wadsworth to mark one year since the Vernon teenager’s murder.

The vigil at Kin Beach for Ashley Wadsworth, the 19-year-old Vernon woman killed in England (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

People gathered around the vigil for Ashley Wadsworth (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Wadsworth, 19, was killed by her boyfriend, Jack Sepple, in England on Feb. 1, 2022. He was sentenced to life in prison for the crime.

The event, held at the picnic area of Kin Beach, saw people light candles for Ashley. Her mother, Christy Gendron, give a short speech and her sister, Hailey, read a poem.

Ashley’s mother, Christy Gendron, speaks to the roughly 60 people at the vigil Wednesday evening (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Ashley’s sister, Hailey, reads a poem at the vigil (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

About 60 people lit a candle for Ashley Wadsworth at the vigil (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

Close to 60 people turned out to the event, which also saw balloons released in memory of the Vernon teen and of another 19-year-old, Liam Taylor, who was also stabbed to death in the same area in Essex in 2020.

Following the ceremony, Gendron said she hoped Ashley’s murder could be a warning to others about domestic violence.

“My message is, if anything good could come of this, and I know Ashley, that’s who she was, to help people; if her story can change anyone’s decision to getting ready to leave a violent situation, man, woman, it doesn’t matter, if you’re a family member and you’re talking to them and kind of get that gut instinct, trust your gut,” Gendron said.

“Because even if they say ‘don’t, we’re fine.’ When we booked that flight, that’s the most dangerous time because that person’s going to lose control.”

She advised people in violent relationships to seek help, if possible, and to come up with a code word with loved ones who can help, and to research their partner to ensure they are not entering a relationship with someone with a violent past.

“If you know anyone who is in trouble, or if you are in trouble, please reach out because you do not want to bury your loved one due to this,” Gendron said.

She also advised people travelling oversees to know all the emergency numbers of the places they’re visiting.

Gendron noted the colours of the balloons released at the vigil held a special meaning.

Yellow was Ashley’s favourite colour so the yellow balloons was in honour of her. The purple balloons were to represent domestic violence, green represented Taylor, and white was in honour of all the victims of acts of violence.

She added the turnout at the vigil was “amazing,” especially because they braved the snow and the cold, and that both the local and global support the family has received has been very moving.

“The outpouring [of support] in Vernon, England and all over the world, has been honestly amazing,” Gendron remarked, adding people from all over have been reaching out and sharing their stories and their condolences.

“So just the fact that we’ve gotten this much support for Ashley, she would be honoured. We are honoured. We are so grateful to the community for all the help, the fundraising to get her home, to fly her body home, WestJet [handled] that. All these integral parts to help. So thank you to everyone.”