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Healthcare workers have been putting their lives on the line since the start of the pandemic, but nobody could have predicted the tragedy that struck at a clinic in the city of Red Deer, in Canada’s Alberta province, on August 10.

45-year-old South African-born family doctor Walter Reynolds was going about his day as usual, when a patient wielding a hammer and a machete entered the clinic and attacked him in his office, ultimately taking his life.

Police responded to a call from the clinic and arrested the suspect before he could flee the scene.

TimesLIVE reports that he has since been charged with first-degree murder.

Reynolds’ family, friends and colleagues have released statements about the attack.

This from his colleague, Johan Myburgh:

“On a normal sunny Monday morning, August 10, life changed forever for the Reynolds’ family (below). Walter tragically lost his life serving his community as a family doctor. An unimaginable, horrific act of violence took him away from his loving family.”

Image: gofundme.com

“His friends, colleagues and community mourn an exceptional human being lost too soon. We all are devastated and heartbroken.

Reynolds is described as a “devout father to two amazing young daughters” and as a “loving husband”, who enjoyed spending time with his family.

A video from August 11 includes a statement from Red Deer police, which goes into the details about the arrest:

Here are statements from Dr Reynolds’ colleagues. If you skip to the 58-second mark, there is footage of the arrest, followed by more information about the incident from Red Deer police:

Per CP24, his attacker, Deng Mabiour, told a judge at his first court appearance on Wednesday, August 12, that he doesn’t remember the attack:

“Listen to me. I don’t remember anything because I’m sick. I want a doctor,” Mabiour, with a heavy accent, told provincial court Judge Bert Skinner.

“I’m telling you I didn’t remember anything because I am sick.”

When asked if he understood the charges the accused responded, “No, I didn’t understand, because I am sick. I lost memory. Listen to me, I don’t remember. I want a doctor.”

Reynolds and Mabiour allegedly knew each other through the clinic.

His case has been postponed until September 9.

Myburgh has set up a crowdfunding campaign to help Reynolds’ family with funeral expenses, says News24.

Funds from the campaign will solely be used by Anelia, Reynolds’ wife, to pay for travel expenses for her and his close family from South Africa, his funeral expenses, and his daughters’ education.

A memorial will be held for Reynolds on Saturday, at 3AM, South African time, which will be live-streamed through the Red Deer Primary Network Facebook page.

[source:timeslive&cp24&news24]