Candles, stuffed animals ,and even a bottle of her favourite pop were placed in a makeshift vigil on the steps of the home where 16-year-old Rhianna Cook was fatally shot. (paNOW)

By Teena Monteleone

Remembering Rhianna

‘She had a lot going for her’: Vigil held for 16-year-old shooting victim

Nov 29, 2025 | 9:29 PM

Prayers were said and candles were lit outside of the home where 16-year-old Rhianna Neilia Cook lost her life last week.

Several family members and friends gathered on Saturday night to remember the Wesmor Public High School student who succumbed to injuries she received during a shooting incident in the 900 block of 12th St. W. on Nov. 27.

Family and friends gathered on Saturday evening to say prayers and pay tribute to Rhianna. (paNOW photo)

“I want to thank everybody that came and supported us,” said Rhianna’s mother, Darlene Cook. “I don’t know if I can talk much because it really hurts.”

She said this is the third child she has lost.

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Darlene and her husband Samson were asleep in the home when they heard what sounded like ‘a balloon popping or a ball being overinflated.’

“My wife and I jumped out of bed. I ran to the living room cause I could hear the commotion coming from downstairs, so when I looked downstairs, I saw my daughter laying at the bottom of the floor… laying on the steps,” said Samson.

A 17-year-old boy, who was found in the home, was arrested by police following the shooting. As of Friday, no charges had been laid.

Family members say Rhianna Neilia Cook had recently turned 16 years old. (Submitted photo/Darlene Cook)

“Rhianna just had her 16th birthday and she was attending school, but now that’s been cut short because of the tragedy that happened here. She was a 16-year-old girl who had so many friends, who had a lot going for her and unfortunately it got cut short.”

Samson, who is originally from Pelican Narrows, runs a medical taxi company between Prince Albert and northern Saskatchewan. He started it because he wanted to be able to help his community access the health care support they need.

“There is a lot of activity that happens out here in Prince Albert, not only on this [west] side, but all over the city. All I can say is keep your children safe and away from gang life and away from drugs and alcohol because that’s the leading thing that’s taking all of our children away,” he said.

Darlene Cook receives a smudge at the vigil held for her daughter. (paNOW photo)

The family said they have been receiving some support from Victim Services and are staying in a hotel while the home is cleaned for their return.

For now, the candles, teddy bears and angel figurines remain — a quiet reminder of a young life taken too soon.

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teena.monteleone@pattisonmedia.com