Killing of UBC Okanagan security guard leaves Kelowna feeling shock, sadness

The Sikh community in Kelowna remains in shock following the senseless killing of a 24-year-old security guard working at the UBC Okanagan campus.

Harmandeep Kaur died Sunday, a day after she was attacked on campus in the early morning hours.

“I’m 110 per cent convinced justice will be served,” said Andy Sandhu with the Okanagan Sikh Temple. “The country we live in, the laws, and the RCMP already did a very good job.”

“The whole Okanagan — regardless of [whether they are part of] the Sikh community or South Asian — whoever lives in Kelowna, they’re shocked.”

The community is left heartbroken after the death of 24-year-old Harmandeep Kaur at UBC Okanagan. Courtesy: Facebook/Harmandeep Kaur

Sandhu says Kaur’s parents are now in Kelowna, adding they plan to hold religious ceremonies and funeral services in Canada.

Originally from India, Kaur moved to Vancouver in 2015 and had recently secured permanent residency. She wanted to become a paramedic. Kaur is remembered as a “beloved daughter, sister, and friend.”

24 Yrs old Harmandeep Kaur, was brutally attacked and murdered while working as a security guard on the UBC Okanagan campus, succumbing to her injuries a day later. She just received her PR card just 3 weeks ago .. pic.twitter.com/4PSpkRhWCT

— Prabhjot Kahlon (@PrabhjotKahlon) March 2, 2022

An online fundraiser is trying to help her family with funeral costs. It has already raised more than $35,000.

“Despite the challenges she faced as she tried to make her way in a new country away from her family back home in India, she always kept her positive attitude and determined spirit,” the GoFundMe reads.

“Since she was a child, Harmandeep was such a bright student and always excited to learn. She risked and lost her young life while patrolling the very grounds that she had hoped to one day walk as a student. There are no words to describe how much Harmandeep will be missed by her mother, father, and brother, as well as all of her extended family and friends.”

Related articles:

• Support pours in for family of slain UBC Okanagan security guard

• UBC Okanagan security guard dies after assault on campus

Kelowna RCMP believe a man working at the university was behind the attack. A suspect was identified and apprehended under the Mental Health Act. He could face murder charges.

The university says the incident was isolated and there is no threat to students or staff.

“I also understand that many on campus will feel shaken by this news and I encourage everyone to seek out the support and services offered to students, faculty and staff,” UBC Okanagan Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Principal Lesley Cormack wrote in a statement Feb. 28.

With files from Lisa Steacy and Tarnjit Parmar