A West Kelowna mother says COVID-19 is threatening to get in the way of celebrating the life of her daughter.
June 2nd will mark 10 years since Ashlee Hyatt died.
She was stabbed at a house party in Peachland by another girl, who was eventually sentenced to 9 months in a correctional centre and 18 months probation.
Ashlee was only 16 at the time.
Her mother Charrie Fichter wanted to mark the anniversary by bringing family and friends together at Ashlee's memorial bench on Beach Avenue.
“We can’t gather, so there’s no gatherings at all. Unless that changes by June 2nd we wont be able to gather to visit with her at her bench, but we will still be able to put a card on the picnic table or something for her 10 year angelversary,” said Fichter.
B.C health officials have banned gatherings of over 50 people in an effort to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Fichter is sad to learn that COVID-19 restrictions won't allow family and friends to celebrate her daughters life.
“You do move on, you just never forget what happened and I think me having hr bench is just a way, cause we’re there every weekend, and to me she’s still there. If that makes any sense to you, it’s somewhere I can still, where its peaceful,” said Fichter.
Fichter says the memorial bench is a place where they can gather to 'remember a beautiful life'.