Edmonton woman fatally shot by Calgary police had been struggling with mental health

The family of 53-year-old Melanie Hambrook, a long-time Edmonton resident who was shot and killed by Calgary police on Deerfoot Trail on June 21, says she was struggling with her mental health at the time of the confrontation.

Adam Vaananen, Hambrook's former spouse and the father of their son, said he was devastated to learn of her death and believes police should have gathered more information about her condition. "I had informed the authorities she was having trouble with her mental well-being," he said. "I believe police should have asked me more questions. She's not a violent person, and she wasn't suicidal."

Hambrook was originally from eastern Canada and worked as a cook and caregiver. Her sister-in-law Darcie Vaananen described her as nurturing with a strong sense of humour. "She was an amazing cook and amazing mom," she said.

On June 21, Calgary police boxed in Hambrook's vehicle on the northbound Deerfoot Trail between Memorial Drive and 16 Avenue Northeast after reports of erratic driving over the previous 24 hours. Video of the confrontation shows officers first deployed pepper spray to try to get her to exit and comply with commands. Hambrook eventually exited the vehicle and advanced toward officers with what appeared to be an object in her hand. Police fired a taser and other non-lethal projectiles, and one officer fired a police rifle. She was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition and later died.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Teams (ASIRT) investigation is ongoing. The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and legal expenses related to her estate, hoping the investigation's results will lead to policy changes and prevent similar deaths.