BANFF – Police are investigating a homicide after a 26-year-old man was killed early Friday morning in Banff.
Police said the Alberta RCMP major crimes unit is investigating after Banff RCMP responded to an altercation at a Banff Avenue bar at about 2:30 a.m. Friday (Aug. 5).
The Outlook confirmed the bar was Dancing Sasquatch, which as of Friday afternoon continues to have police on scene and the bar and outdoor patio roped off with yellow police tape.
The man, Banff resident Ethan Enns-Goneau, was transported to Banff Mineral Springs Hospital but was declared dead.
James Fraser, the director of media and marketing for the Banff Hospitality Collective that owns Dancing Sasquatch, said the organization is working with Bow Valley Victim Services and other third-party agencies in the region to help people impacted by the homicide and staff members.
He said they’re cooperating with the RCMP investigation and won’t be providing additional comments.
Fraser didn’t answer questions on what took place or the level of security at the bar that night, which has its local nights on Thursdays.
“We express our sincere condolences to family, friends and loved ones impacted by the tragic incident that occurred late last night between two patrons at our establishment, resulting in the death of a long-time Banff resident,” Fraser said in an email.
Throughout Friday morning and afternoon, several police officers could be seen entering and leaving Dancing Sasquatch. Several residents also came to the bar and were talking to police, but also embracing one another.
In a statement, the Town of Banff said they were coordinating support services and encouraged people in need to use walk-in mental health support services at Banff Mineral Springs Hospital between 2 and 9 p.m. The emergency room at the hospital is also available after 9 p.m.
Council chambers at Town hall will also be open for a support session between 4 and 7 p.m.
“As Banffites, we always rally to take care of each other in difficult times so I know we will come together to offer our support and comfort to his family and friends,” said Banff Mayor Corrie DiManno in a media release. “It’s crucially important that residents know there are support services, counselling and people available to talk to as they begin to process and grieve this tragedy.”
People can also contact Bow Valley Victim Services at 403-760-0197 and 2-1-1 can also connect people to mental health or counselling support.
The Town, well known for its tourism, has rarely had a homicide take place in the townsite.
The last was in 1990 when then 18-year-old Ryan Jason Love stabbed 23-year-old cab driver Lucie Turmel for her earnings that night, which came to $130.
A 22-year-old Banff man was taken into custody.
The Banff RCMP and RCMP forensic identification unit are assisting the Alberta RCMP major crimes unit in the investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Banff RCMP at 403-762-2226.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 or online at https://crimestoppers.ab.ca.
