The body of the teenager was found on Thursday afternoon in a green area in the northwestern neighborhood. Emergency crews responded to an area behind Arbor Meadows Close NW 100 block around 8:30 p.m. on March 31 following reports of an injury. “The man was found dead at the scene and was later confirmed to be 16-year-old Jal Jal from Calgary,” said the staff sergeant. Sean Gregson. “Losing someone at a young age of 16 is shocking and tragic.” Gregson says the researchers interviewed many of Jal’s classmates, coaches and teammates who described him as polite, respectful and easy to train with, citing his ambitions to play football or basketball in the United States. “Jal has left behind many grieving friends and relatives who have so many questions about how this could happen. We are working hard to resolve this issue and we need the help of the public to succeed.” Police have been searching for surveillance footage, including video footage, of any suspicious activity on Lake Arbor or in the neighboring Scenic Acres community since the night of March 31st. Anyone with information about the shooting or suspicious activity from the night of Jal’s death is kindly requested to contact the Calgary Police Department at 403-266-1234 or submit anonymous advice to Crime Stoppers. The Jal family issued the following statement Monday: Today we brought close family, coaches and friends to share a few words about Jal and ask for everyone’s help in resolving his case. Jal Acor Jal was a very respectable, kind, gentle young man. His presence would illuminate the entire room when he entered. His soul was so pure. Jal was so affectionate and thoughtful. He did very little to make everyone smile because he was by nature a friendly and affectionate person. Jal always checked on his father in a wheelchair and brought comfort and reassurance that he would be fine. He lived with his grandmother who needed emotional attention. He would be the first to say good morning and the first to comfort her when she felt crushed and in physical pain. Jal will check in regularly with his mother, who lives in Lethbridge. She asked how her day was going and looked after her health, telling her how she could not wait for Christmas to get all the branded accessories. He was on the basketball team and on the junior soccer team at St. John’s High School. Francis. He recently spoke with his family and coaches about continuing the basketball game in the states. This tragedy has broken the hearts of many people, we have never seen this day come, no one is ever prepared for such pain of losing their child. The whole family appreciates all the sympathy we received from individuals, the city of Calgary, St. Francis High School and all the other communities that have had an impact on Jal’s life. We are grateful for your kind words and your financial support. Right now, we and the Calgary Police Department are working together to solve this case, but we can not do it alone. We need any information that can help resolve this issue. We ask the Arbor Lake community and nearby communities that if anyone has seen anything or has a camera that might be helpful in this case, please contact the police for information. They need individuals and families to keep a community safe. We hope for the best. Jal Jal will always be remembered and loved by his family and friends.
