Two Timmins residents dead in Mexico

When students at Roland Michener Secondary School come back from March Break, they and the entire school will be doing so with heavy hearts.

54-year old Susan Drummond, head of Student Services, and her husband, 65-year old retired social studies teacher Steve Eley have drowned while on vacation in Mexico.

“It’s such shocking news,” says Vice-Chair of DSB-One Bob Brush.

“Steve Eley and Sue Drummond were exceptional teachers in their careers.”

A Mexican news outlet reports details that it “appears the woman suffered a cramp while swimming and began to experience trouble in the water. When her partner came to offer assistance, he was overcome by the strong waves.”

He adds it will be “extremely difficult to fill the void” of these two following their passing.

Drummond was also a former English teacher at the school.

Steve’s daughter works for the school board, in the process of starting her teaching career.

Director of Education Linda Knight says the families are in the process of working with insurance and the Canadian Consulate to get the bodies back to Canada.

A spokeswoman with Global Affairs says Canadian consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are ready to provide assistance.

Brush says grief counseling will be available at the school for anyone who needs it starting Monday.

(With files from The Canadian Press)