A woman named Laura Gover, a business professor at both Vancouver Island University and Camosun College, was tragically killed on Jan. 5 in Saanich, B.C., as confirmed by a close friend who had known her for 25 years. Kelsea McLaughlin, the friend, emphasized that Gover, aged 41, should be remembered as a dedicated mother to her two young daughters, aged seven and 11. To support the children, McLaughlin initiated a fundraiser which has already amassed nearly $110,000 as of Tuesday evening. The funds are intended to be managed in a trust for Gover’s daughters to ensure their future well-being.
Saanich police recently disclosed that Muhammed Basar, identified as Gover’s ex-husband by McLaughlin, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the incident. The authorities responded to a call on Jan. 5 at the 1600 block of Blair Avenue, taking Basar into custody on the same day. Basar is scheduled for his next court appearance on Jan. 21, and the case has been categorized as a “K file,” which signifies alleged cases of intimate partner violence by the B.C. Prosecution Service.
Camosun College expressed deep shock over Gover’s death, stating that she had joined the business school in the fall of 2021, bringing with her a decade of experience in post-secondary education and management training. College president Lane Trotter conveyed that Gover’s unexpected passing had profoundly impacted students, faculty, and staff at Camosun College, as well as those who knew her personally. Grief-counselling support services will be extended to staff and students following the tragic event.