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Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Globe and Mail
Missing Nova Scotia children were assessed by child welfare agency months before disappearance
Nova Scotia's child protection agency investigated the living conditions of Jack and Lilly Sullivan months before their mysterious disappearance in early May – a case file that has been reviewed by the minister responsible for child welfare. Scott Armstrong, Nova Scotia's Minister of Opportunities and Social Development, confirmed in an interview that the agency had a file on the children prior to their disappearance, but said it would be inappropriate for him to discuss the agency's findings. With Jack and Lilly still missing and a police investigation underway, it's not the right time to dissect the agency's prior involvement, Mr. Armstrong said. 'We have no idea where those kids are and we should be focused on helping them and finding them and supporting this family,' he said. Asked whether a review has been ordered into his agency's prior interaction with the children, he said: 'As minister, I've seen a report. I'll talk to that. I've personally seen the report. I asked for it,' he said. 'I'm aware of how our department was involved in this.' He added: 'I think we should be focused more on those kids than we are on looking to blame somebody.' Mr. Armstrong said there may come a point when the agency's involvement with the children is deserving of more scrutiny, but now – seven weeks into their disappearance – is not it. Daniel Martell, who was in a common-law relationship with the children's mother and was living with them when they went missing, told The Globe in an interview in May that a social worker with child protective services visited the home several months ago. The visit was prompted by concerns that had been relayed by someone at the children's school and related to their developmental delays, Mr. Martell said. The children's mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, said she had 'no comment' in relation to child protective services' involvement with Lilly and Jack. Mr. Martell has said he had nothing to do with the children's disappearance and has nothing to hide. 'I'm keeping the story alive and keeping everyone's hopes up, not just my own,' Mr. Martell told The Globe in May. He also said Ms. Brooks-Murray had no involvement in the disappearance either: 'I know Malehya has nothing to do with anything.' Child welfare authorities investigate when a report of suspected abuse or neglect is received by the agency. In Nova Scotia, every person has a legal obligation to report concerns of suspected abuse or neglect of a child. The law stipulates that teachers and other childcare workers have an added duty to report. The disappearance of Jack and Lilly has prompted one of the largest ground searches in the province's history. Ms. Brooks-Murray told police that Lilly, 6, and Jack, 4, wandered away from their home in Lansdowne on May 2 while she and Mr. Martell, her then common-law partner, were sleeping. Earlier that same morning, around 6:15 a.m., she reported both children would be absent from school, according to Mr. Martell. He told The Globe Lilly had a cough and Jack was kept home as a precaution. The RCMP's major crime division, involved since day two of the search, has since seized electronic devices from the children's home, conducted polygraph tests, analyzed hours of video footage from the road outside their residence, and searched septic systems and abandoned mineshafts in the area. So far, the children appear to have disappeared without a trace. The division, whose primary role is to investigate foul play and homicides, has repeatedly said there is no evidence the children were abducted. The day after the children were reported missing, Ms. Brooks-Murray left her home in Lansdowne. She cut off contact with Mr. Martell and later changed her Facebook status to single. Nova Scotia and Ontario are the only two provinces without a Child and Youth Advocate. Both provinces rely on provincial ombudsmen to impartially investigate complaints related to child welfare; however, those watchdogs are also responsible for reviewing many other agencies and departments. The role of a Child and Youth Advocate is dedicated to advocating for and protect the rights of children. The office may also review and investigate deaths or injuries of children receiving government services. More than a year ago, Nova Scotia's Progressive Conservative government introduced legislation to create a dedicated office that would be an independent voice for the rights of children, but the initiative has not moved forward. Mr. Armstrong said he is 'personally committed' to creating such an office, and hopes to be able to share more details in the fall. The minister also said his department is taking steps to reduce the workload of child welfare staff, including improving recruitment efforts for new social workers and adding administrative roles to reduce paperwork done by front-line employees. On Thursday, the province announced a reward of up to $150,000 for anyone who comes forward with information about the missing children.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Mother-of-four, 48, who plummeted 15,000ft to her death in tandem skydive tragedy was 'laughing and joking up to the last minute'
A mother-of-four who plummeted 15,000ft to her death in a skydive tragedy was 'laughing and joking up to the last minute,' her partner shared. Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon. Her grieving boyfriend Scott Armstrong told the BBC one of the other people on the plane messaged him to say Ms Taylor was 'really excited' for the jump. 'Somebody had sent me the nicest message last night. 'They said they were on the plane with her and she was laughing and joking and really excited of going up to the last minute. And I needed to hear that,' he said. The 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre last Friday before changing her mind at the last minute. Mr Armstrong had bought the skydive experience for her as a present, she initially planned a 7,000ft jump before changing her mind at the last minute. He said: 'I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. 'I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her.' Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft - with the company's website proudly claiming: 'No one jumps from higher in the UK!' Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident. Meanwhile Ms Taylor's son Elias, 20, said she had become more 'adventurous' after meeting her new boyfriend Mr Armstrong. Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as 'selfless', telling MailOnline: 'She really just put everyone above herself. It's really difficult for [younger sister] Emily as she was the one living there with mum. 'I spoke to her a week before it happened. It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things. 'You don't really expect what happened to happened. She was mentioning it in a jokey way. 'It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun. 'She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person.' Belinda Taylor's grieving partner Scott Armstrong has paid tribute to her on Facebook Devon and Cornwall Police said the force was alerted to the incident at about 1pm on Friday, while confirming an investigation had been launched He added: 'We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. 'We want as much information as possible - we feel like it would help us be at peace.' Her eldest son Connor Bowles has said: 'On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. 'She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. 'She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.' Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020. The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as 'wonderful', was also training as a chiropractor. In a tribute, Mr Harrison's sister Amy Harrison extended her condolences to Ms Taylor's family. She said: 'Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.' A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: 'We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. 'Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event. 'As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident. 'Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies. 'Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do.' It comes after a separate skydiver was feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Emergency services were called to the scene at Dunkeswell Airfield on Friday at about 1pm Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the base. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies. For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit or visit the
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Mum persuaded to DOUBLE height of deadly skydive by firm who boasted ‘no-one jumps from higher' as fall caught on camera
A MUM-of-four killed in a skydive tragedy was persuaded to double the height of the jump minutes before taking off. Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell 15,000ft to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon. Advertisement 5 Belinda Taylor, 48, died from falling 15,000ft in a tragic skydiving accident Credit: facebook/scottarmstrong 5 Scott Armstrong, who bought the skydive gift for his partner, Belinder Taylor Credit: Facebook 5 A probe is underway after the pair fell to their deaths Credit: SWNS But the 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre on Friday before changing her mind at the last minute. Her grieving boyfriend, Scott Armstrong - who bought the skydive experience for the 48-year-old as a present. He said: "The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money. "I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. Advertisement "I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her." Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft with the company's website proudly claiming "No-one jumps from higher in the UK!". But previous customers have slammed them for "bullying" customers into upgrading to a higher jump than they are comfortable with and claimed the safety briefing was used to "hard sell upgrades". One posted on Tripadvisor: "When we arrived we were almost bullied into feeling like we should purchase upgrades but having done it before knew this was not necessary. Advertisement "The briefing was a sales technique whereby we were told anything less than a 15,000 jump was a waste of money that we wouldn't enjoy." All the man was interested in doing was upselling A previous jumper at Skydive Buzz A mum who took her daughters to Skydive Buzz added: "From the minute you arrived it was all about getting more money from you. "My two daughters age 20 and 16 had pre-paid for a 7,000 ft jump as they were doing it to raise money for their expedition next year. "I attended the Safety briefing with the girls and after the 10 minute tick box risk assessment exercise the rest of the 45 minutes was hard sell - upgrades from £130, £180 for a video and photos, £50 to go as a passenger in the plane, £5 to go in bus and watch them land, you had to even pay for a shower after." Advertisement Another jumper added: "When we had our briefing, all the man was interested in doing was upselling. "Five minutes was how to land and the rest was comments saying if you don't pay for photos it's not worth it, if you do 7,000ft it's not worth it, if you don't have a video, its not worth it. "I continued to refuse. After the briefing and we were getting ready they were so intent on getting money that they came and asked us again to pay for the 15,000ft skydive." "Completely ruined the whole experience." Advertisement Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident. Meanwhile Ms Taylor's son Elias, 20, said she had become more "adventurous" after meeting her new boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who brought the jump for her as a present. 'A SHOCK' Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as "selfless", adding: "She really just put everyone above herself. "It's really difficult for (younger sister) Emily, as she was the one living there with mum. Advertisement "I spoke to her a week before it happened. "It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things ... you don't really expect what happened to happened. "She was mentioning it in a jokey way. "It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had (boyfriend) Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. Advertisement "She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun." "She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person." He added: "We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. "We want as much information as possible, we feel like it would help us be at peace." Advertisement Eldest son Connor Bowles added: "On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. TRIBUTES "She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. "She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones." Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth, had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020. Advertisement The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as 'wonderful', was also training as a chiropractor. In a tribute, Mr Harrison's sister, Amy Harrison, extended her condolences to Ms Taylor's family. She said: "Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis." A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: "We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. Advertisement "Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event. "As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay. "A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident. "Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies. Advertisement "Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do." The Sun has reached out to Skydive Buzz for comment. 5 Skydiving instructor Adam Harrison died in the tandem jump accident Credit: Teleg website Advertisement
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Mum persuaded to DOUBLE height of deadly skydive by firm who boasted ‘no-one jumps from higher' as fall caught on camera
A MUM-of-four killed in a skydive tragedy was persuaded to double the height of the jump minutes before taking off. Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell 15,000ft to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon. 5 5 But the 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre on Friday before changing her mind at the last minute. Her grieving boyfriend, Scott Armstrong - who bought the skydive experience for the 48-year-old as a present. He said: "The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money. "I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. "I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her." Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft with the company's website proudly claiming "No-one jumps from higher in the UK!". But previous customers have slammed them for "bullying" customers into upgrading to a higher jump than they are comfortable with and claimed the safety briefing was used to "hard sell upgrades". One posted on Tripadvisor: "When we arrived we were almost bullied into feeling like we should purchase upgrades but having done it before knew this was not necessary. "The briefing was a sales technique whereby we were told anything less than a 15,000 jump was a waste of money that we wouldn't enjoy." A mum who took her daughters to Skydive Buzz added: "From the minute you arrived it was all about getting more money from you. "My two daughters age 20 and 16 had pre-paid for a 7,000 ft jump as they were doing it to raise money for their expedition next year. "I attended the Safety briefing with the girls and after the 10 minute tick box risk assessment exercise the rest of the 45 minutes was hard sell - upgrades from £130, £180 for a video and photos, £50 to go as a passenger in the plane, £5 to go in bus and watch them land, you had to even pay for a shower after." Another jumper added: "When we had our briefing, all the man was interested in doing was upselling. "Five minutes was how to land and the rest was comments saying if you don't pay for photos it's not worth it, if you do 7,000ft it's not worth it, if you don't have a video, its not worth it. "I continued to refuse. After the briefing and we were getting ready they were so intent on getting money that they came and asked us again to pay for the 15,000ft skydive." "Completely ruined the whole experience." Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident. Meanwhile Ms Taylor's son Elias, 20, said she had become more "adventurous" after meeting her new boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who brought the jump for her as a present. 'A SHOCK' Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as "selfless", adding: "She really just put everyone above herself. "It's really difficult for (younger sister) Emily, as she was the one living there with mum. "I spoke to her a week before it happened. "It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things ... you don't really expect what happened to happened. "She was mentioning it in a jokey way. "It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had (boyfriend) Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. "She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun." "She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person." He added: "We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. "We want as much information as possible, we feel like it would help us be at peace." Eldest son Connor Bowles added: "On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. TRIBUTES "She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. "She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones." Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth, had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020. The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as 'wonderful', was also training as a chiropractor. In a tribute, Mr Harrison's sister, Amy Harrison, extended her condolences to Ms Taylor's family. She said: "Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor, and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis." A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: "We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. "Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event. "As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay. "A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident. "Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies. "Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do." The Sun has reached out to Skydive Buzz for comment.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE 'Adrenaline junkie' mother-of-four, 48, doubled the height of her tandem sky dive jump before she plunged 15,000ft to her death with instructor
An 'adrenaline junkie' mother of four killed in a skydive tragedy decided to double the height of the jump minutes before taking off, MailOnline can reveal. Belinda Taylor, from Totnes in Devon, fell 15,000ft to her death alongside instructor Adam Harrison in a 'tragic accident' at Dunkeswell Airfield, in Devon. But the 48-year-old had only planned a 7,000ft jump when she arrived at the centre last Friday before changing her mind at the last minute. Her grieving boyfriend Scott Armstrong, who has described her as 'an adrenaline junkie and an adventurer', had bought the skydive experience for her as a present. He said: 'The plan was to do a 7,000ft jump, but at the last minute she said she wanted to do a 15,000ft one, so I paid the extra money. 'I found Belinda and the instructor lying there, still together, both clearly dead. It was a horrific sight. 'I miss her so much. I'm so lost without her. She meant the world to all of us and we'll never forget her.' Operator Skydive Buzz advertises jumps from 7,000ft, 10,000ft and 15,000ft - with the company's website proudly claiming: 'No one jumps from higher in the UK!' Devon and Cornwall Police and the British Skydiving Board of Inquiry are both investigating the cause of the accident. Meanwhile Ms Taylor's son Elias, 20, said she had become more 'adventurous' after meeting her new boyfriend Mr Armstrong. Elias, a university student who lives in west London, described his mother, 48, as 'selfless', telling MailOnline: 'She really just put everyone above herself. It's really difficult for [younger sister] Emily as she was the one living there with mum. 'I spoke to her a week before it happened. It's kind of weird thinking about it now, but at the time obviously she was saying how the jump would take place on Friday 13th and all those things. 'You don't really expect what happened to happened. She was mentioning it in a jokey way. 'It's all still a bit of a shock. Recently she had Scott and two of his kids, and looked after them. She was getting more adventurous with him, kayaking and stuff, looking to have that excitement and have more fun. 'She talked for ages and ages, and always wanted to have a chat. She was such a positive person.' Belinda Taylor's grieving partner Scott Armstrong has paid tribute to her on Facebook He added: 'We just want answers about what happened and how it could have happened. 'We want as much information as possible - we feel like it would help us be at peace.' Her eldest son Connor Bowles has said: 'On Friday, June 13, our family lost our mum Belinda Taylor. 'She was a mother of four children, three adult boys and one teenage girl, and a grandmother to two young children. 'She was a selfless woman who wanted only the best for others and especially her loved ones.' Her tandem partner Mr Harrison from Bournemouth had worked as a skydiving instructor since September 2020. The 30-year-old, who has been described by his sister as 'wonderful', was also training as a chiropractor. In a tribute, Mr Harrison's sister Amy Harrison extended her condolences to Ms Taylor's family. She said: 'Adam had built a sterling reputation as a professional instructor and we take comfort in knowing that he would undoubtedly have done everything in his power to avert any crisis.' A statement from Skydive Buzz posted on Facebook said: 'We are heartbroken to confirm that an incident occurred on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. 'Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this devastating event. 'As per standard procedure, the relevant authorities were contacted immediately, and the appropriate investigation protocols were initiated without delay. 'A British Skydiving Board of Inquiry will now investigate the accident. 'Once complete, a report – including conclusions and any recommendations – will be submitted to the coroner, the police, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the British Skydiving Safety & Training Committee (STC), and other relevant bodies. 'Safety is, and always has been, our top priority. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and continue to uphold the highest possible standards in everything we do.' It comes after a separate skydiver was feared to have taken her own life in a 10,000ft fall from the sky in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. Emergency services were called to the scene at Dunkeswell Airfield on Friday at about 1pm Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist who had accomplished more than 400 jumps, died instantly after hitting the ground during a jump at the base. Police quickly ruled out any suspicious circumstances and were understood to have discovered notes disclosing her intentions. MailOnline understands that Ms Damarell, from Caerphilly, south Wales, had broken up with her boyfriend the day prior to taking to the skies.
