The father of a Western University student who died in a Toronto-area murder-suicide says he is taking solace in knowing his son and wife are together in heaven.
York Regional Police released a statement on behalf of Sam Costa Monday.
Jeffrey Costa, 22 and his mother, 52-year-old Karen Costa, were found dead in their Richmond Hill home last Thursday. Police have not released a cause of death.
The statement says the family never wavered in their unconditional support for Jeffrey who had been struggling with mental health issues.
It goes on to describe the deaths as an unspeakable tragedy that was the result of a loving and protective mother trying to save her son from harming himself.
Police say the Costa family is requesting privacy during this difficult time and will not be releasing any further comment.
Jeffrey was a fourth-year social sciences student and a soph in Medway-Sydenham Hall at Western. He had just completed classes and was heading into spring exams.
Western has set up grief support for those in the community requiring counselling.
Statement by Sam Costa:
"As we mourn the loss of Karen and Jeffrey, we do find solace in knowing that they are together in heaven.
As a mother and son, they had a strong and undeniable bond. They were at the core of a very loving family. Together we shared many milestones and happy memories. Our family was, and still is, grounded in respect, love and compassion for one another.
We, as a family, never wavered in our unconditional support for Jeffrey who had been struggling with mental health issues.
This unspeakable tragedy that occurred in our family home last week was the result of a loving and protective mother trying to save her son from harming himself.
Over the last 20 years with all the mental health fundraising efforts my family has been involved with, I never thought our lives would be so directly affected and altered by this illness. The void of their sudden loss is unexplainable.
We would like to thank York Regional Police, Western University, and the other agencies for their professional and respectful handling of our family tragedy.
Karen and Jeffrey were so cherished and loved by their family and so many countless friends, co-workers, acquaintances and classmates.
The words of condolences and support we have received have been overwhelming and have brought much comfort to myself and my other two children."
