An Edmonton family mourning the loss of their nine-year-old son in a plane crash last year has made an emotional plea for the return of a necklace containing his ashes.
David and Crystal Pentecost said they’re devastated their son Dawson’s remains have been stolen.
Police say a man was spotted trying to steal the Pentecosts’ pickup truck on Friday, but was unsuccessful, so instead he took some cash and the necklace, which is in the shape of a cross.
“(The truck) was parked in the back and my brother-in-law called and I could hear my husband say, ‘Just tell me one thing, just tell me Dawson’s ashes are still there,’” Crystal said. “And they weren’t.”
The necklace, which belongs to Dawson’s younger brother, had been hanging in the truck since May, after Crystal and David had cremation pendants made for themselves and for each of their other three sons following Dawson’s death in February 2013.
Dawson, along with his friends Logan and Gage, and their father Darren Spence, died when a plane being piloted by Spence crashed in a field near Waskada, Man. An investigation found that whiteout conditions caused the tragic accident.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Crystal cried, recalling her “angelic” son. “He was funny, smart, yet quiet,” she said. “You wouldn’t hear anybody say anything bad about him. He loved his hockey.”
Crystal said the theft feels like she’s “losing him again.”
“I don’t know where it is. It’s my son and … I feel guilty. I should have done more.”
The necklace was kept in the car because Dawson loved the truck, Crystal said. One of her other sons thought it would be an appropriate place so that Dawson could “come for all the rides he wants.”
“We left it in there and it was never moved until now,” she said.
The necklace is described as a gold-and-silver cross with five crystals affixed to the front. The pendant, which is about four centimetres in height and two cms in width, hangs on a silver chain.
Police said whoever took the necklace probably isn’t even aware of what the necklace contains.
“It’s a nice-looking chain and I think it was just an opportunity when he saw something nice … He just went with it,” said Const. Michael Roblin.
The family is new to the city, having moved from Manitoba only two weeks ago for a fresh start.
Roblin said their story is “heart-breaking,” which is why police are reaching out to the public for help in tracking down the necklace.
Police have released a description of the suspect in the hopes that the public can help in the case.
“They can turn it in anonymously to any police station,” Roblin said. “I don’t even want to know who these people are, I just want it back for the family.”
Crystal Pentecost said she’s not angry.
“I’d just like it returned. “It’s my son and it belongs to us.”
With a report from CTV Edmonton’s Ashley Molnar
