‘It’s been extremely difficult for the whole community’: Sarnia shooting victim Dane Nisbet laid to rest

Hundreds came out to the funeral of Dane Nisbet in Sarnia, the victim of a fatal shooting at Lambton College. CTV London’s Bryan Bicknell has more.

Hundreds of mourners turned out Friday for the funeral of Dane Nisbet.

The 20-year-old died after being shot outside a Lambton College pub on April 10.

Among those on hand to pay respects, Sarnia city councillor Adam Kilner and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.

“It’s been extremely difficult for the whole community of Sarnia-Lambton,” said Bradley as he fought to maintain composure.

“A tragedy that’s never happened. And we’ve come today, you see with the overwhelming numbers, to honour this young man, who was only 20 years of age,” he said.

“Today our prayers are with Dane and his family and his friend group and all who knew him and were connected to him,” said Kilner.

“The flag at city hall is at half mast today in his honour. We’re going to continue to look to be a supportive presence,” he said.

Nisbet is remembered in his obituary as a “perfect son,” who possessed fearlessness.

Between 700 and 800 people took in the service for the young man, including Lindsay Ferrera, who identified herself as a friend of Nisbet’s mother.

She called the service “absolutely moving.”

“There was a lot of emotion, heavy hearts. But at the same time a lot of light. I think Dane’s passing has put something into all of us. I think it’s brought us together,” she added.

Sarnia Police controlled traffic around Temple Baptist Church, where the ceremony took place. The service was followed by a procession with a police and fire escort to Lakeview Cemetery.

Some supporters along the route employed a hockey tradition to pay respects to the fallen hockey player. Paramedic Stephen Adlington led a group who tapped sticks on the sidewalk as the procession passed.

“I just reached out to a bunch of people and said, ‘hey let’s go out and tap sticks.’ It’s typically what you do when an injured player’s getting taken off the ice, and it just felt right,” Adlington explained.

Last Friday, Nisbet was shot and died of his injuries after the group he was with became involved in an altercation with another group at the Lion’s Den pub at Lambton College. Police arrested and charged three people in connection with his death. Chief Derek Davis told CTV News police are actively searching for the principal suspect in the shooting, 24-year-old Kyaw “Chin” Doe, who is charged with second degree murder.

“So, we’re hoping that our main suspect can be located quickly, and that he can be arrested. The Canada wide warrant is out, remains out. We’re actively looking for him. We’re partnering with our fellow police agencies across the province and across the country to see if we can apprehend him,” said Chief Davis.

More photos are available here.