Funeral today for Langley teen whose apparent overdose was broadcast on social media

The funeral for Carson Crimeni is set to be held Thursday afternoon, just over three weeks after the 14-year-old died of an apparent overdose near a skatepark in Langley, B.C.

Carson died shortly after his grandfather found him slumped against a fence, still breathing, at the Walnut Grove Athletic Park on Aug. 7.

Thursday’s service is due to begin at 1 p.m. PT at the Church in the Valley in Langley. Local RCMP said large numbers of people are expected at the service.

Crimeni’s death received national attention after video showing him in distress at the skatepark circulated on Snapchat.

His family believes someone gave him drugs and witnesses stood by, taking videos later posted to social media. The B.C. Coroners Service investigation into Crimeni’s death that would determine its cause is ongoing.

Overwhelming support

Crimeni’s death has struck a chord in the Walnut Grove community, which Carson’s dad says has been nothing but supportive.

“The amount of support for him is, you know, it is overwhelming, but it is nice to see,” Aron Crimeni said last week. “The entire community has been extremely supportive, extremely.”

A memorial at the skate park near the place where Crimeni’s grandfather found him has grown in the weeks since the teen’s death. Dozens of bouquets of flowers and photos have been laid down around the park, with messages of support sprayed across the concrete.

‘Impact is far reaching’

As Carson’s schoolmates prepare to return to classes next week, staff at the Langley School District say they’ve been focusing on providing support for students and staff.

Joanne Abshire, speaking on behalf of the school district, said Crimeni’s death has had an effect beyond classroom walls.

“Any time one of our schools loses a student, the impact is far reaching,” Abshire said Wednesday. “It’s not just our students and staff here at Walnut Grove that are feeling an impact. We’re definitely seeing a pour of support from the public.”