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  • Mark Feely Castleford Obituary: Murder Investigation Ongoing After Man Found Dead in Castleford

    Mark Feely Castleford Obituary: Murder Investigation Ongoing After Man Found Dead in Castleford

    West Yorkshire Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Castleford late Monday night. The victim has been identified locally as Mark Feeley, who was found unresponsive inside a shared property near the town center.

    Emergency services were called to the address shortly before midnight. Despite efforts to save him, Feely was pronounced dead at the scene.

    The property remains cordoned off on Tuesday as detectives, forensic officers and specialist search teams continue to examine the area.

    Police have not yet confirmed the circumstances leading to the death, but say they are treating it as a suspicious incident.

    Mark Feely Castleford death
    Mark Feely Castleford death

    A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said:
    “An investigation is underway following the death of a man in Castleford. Officers were called to a property near the town centre late last night. Enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward.”

    Footage Circulating Online

    Videos shared on social media platforms, including Snapchat and Telegram, appear to show an altercation involving Feely in a garden shortly before his death. Police have not confirmed whether the footage is directly linked to the incident but are urging the public not to share the video further and instead provide any material directly to investigators.

    Community Shock

    Residents living nearby described the scene as “chaotic” when officers arrived.

    “We saw blue lights everywhere,” one neighbour said. “It’s frightening. Nothing like this usually happens here.”

    Appeal for Information

    Detectives are urging anyone who was in the area on Monday evening, or who may have information or video footage, to contact them immediately.

    Information can be provided by calling West Yorkshire Police on 101 or through the Live Chat function on the force website, quoting reference number to be issued. Anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

    The investigation remains ongoing.

  • Melody Xu Oakville Obituary: Community Grieves Loss of 8-Year-Old Hockey Player in Accident; GoFundMe

    Melody Xu Oakville Obituary: Community Grieves Loss of 8-Year-Old Hockey Player in Accident; GoFundMe

    OAKVILLE, Ontario — The Oakville community is mourning the tragic death of 8-year-old Melody Xu, a young hockey player remembered for her bright spirit, kindness, and love for the game. Melody passed away following a collision on Thursday, November 6, when she and her mother were struck by a Lexus SUV on North Service Road West.

    Halton Regional Police say the accident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. as the vehicle veered off the roadway and onto the sidewalk, striking the mother and daughter. Both were transported first to a local hospital and then to trauma centers. Despite the efforts of medical teams, Melody succumbed to her injuries. Her mother remains hospitalized.

    The driver, a 47-year-old man from Oakville, was arrested at the scene and has been charged with dangerous operation of a conveyance causing death. The Halton Regional Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate. GoFundMe 

    “Forever a Hornet”

    The Oakville Hornets Girls Hockey Association confirmed Melody’s passing in a statement shared with its members and community:

    “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our little Hornet, Melody Xu. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and her U9 Hornets teammates during this unimaginable time.”

    In tribute, the association began a gesture now spreading across Oakville and beyond:

    Put Your Stick Out for Melody.

    Families are placing hockey sticks on porches, balconies, and doorsteps — a symbol of remembrance within the hockey community traditionally extended to honor a fallen player.

    The Hornets wrote:

    “This small gesture is a way to show love, unity, and support for Melody’s family, friends, and teammates as we remember her bright spirit.
    Forever a Hornet. Forever in our hearts. MX6.”

    Melody played with joy, enthusiasm, and a determination that teammates and coaches say lifted everyone around her. She was known for her caring nature — on the ice and off — and for the way she encouraged others with a cheerful smile that teammates say “could brighten any rink.”

    A Community in Support

    Residents, parents, teammates, and hockey families across Ontario have expressed grief and support online. Many are sharing memories of Melody at tournaments, team gatherings, and practice — always energized, always kind, always first to cheer another child on.

    Police say the investigation will review speed, road conditions, and other contributing factors.

    Authorities are asking the public to respect the family’s privacy as they grieve the sudden loss of their daughter.

    A Life Remembered

    Melody is survived by her loving family, her teammates, her school community, and her extended hockey family. Her legacy, those who knew her say, is one of joy, compassion, and the playful spark she brought into every room — and every rink — she entered.

    As hockey sticks continue to appear on doorsteps across Oakville, they stand as a reminder:

    She was loved.
    She will be missed.
    And she will be remembered.

    💛🐝 MX6 — Forever a Hornet.

  • Mercer University Lockdown: Macon Campus Issues Shelter-in-Place for Active Threat

    Mercer University Lockdown: Macon Campus Issues Shelter-in-Place for Active Threat

    MACON, Ga. — Mercer University issued a shelter-in-place order Monday after reporting an active threat on its main campus in Macon. University officials alerted students, faculty, and staff through the emergency notification system just after the warning was initiated.

    “Shelter in place immediately. Lock doors, stay away from windows, and await further instructions,” the alert stated.

    Local law enforcement and campus police are on scene. As of this time, authorities have not released details regarding the nature of the threat, whether any injuries have occurred, or if a suspect is in custody.

    Students inside classrooms and residence halls have been urged to remain where they are, secure entry points, silence phones, and monitor official Mercer communication channels. Those off campus are being asked to stay away from the area until the all-clear is given.

    Nearby streets may experience heavy police presence and restricted access as the situation remains active.

    Mercer University officials have not provided an estimated time for when the shelter-in-place order will be lifted. Additional updates are expected as more information becomes available.

    This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they are released by authorities.

  • Doug Otter North Olmsted Ohio Obituary: Lakewood Man Died Suddenly Leaving Family Broken

    Doug Otter North Olmsted Ohio Obituary: Lakewood Man Died Suddenly Leaving Family Broken

    Community Remembers Doug Otter, Respected Agile Leader and Beloved Friend

    The technology and business community in Northeast Ohio is mourning the loss of Doug Otter, a respected professional in the Scrum and Agile project leadership field, who passed away on Friday following a sudden medical incident. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing.

    Doug, who lived in Lakewood, Ohio, was originally from North Olmsted. He was a graduate of North Olmsted High School and later Kent State University, where he developed early the curiosity, discipline, and collaborative spirit that would define his personal and professional life.

    In his career, Doug built a reputation as a thoughtful and highly effective leader. With more than eight years of experience working in Agile and Scrum environments, he earned the trust of colleagues, clients, and peers by consistently aligning software development goals with broader business needs. Known for clarity, patience, and a steady hand, Doug brought teams together—encouraging collaboration, elevating strengths, and guiding others to work with purpose.

    Coworkers describe him as someone who never sought the spotlight but who made work better simply by being present. He was valued not only for his technical and strategic ability, but also for his kindness, his reliability, and his genuine belief in people and their potential.

    Outside of work, Doug was a deeply devoted husband and a loyal friend. Those closest to him remember him for his dry humor, his calm warmth, and the thoughtful way he cared for others. Whether spending time with family, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, Doug lived in a way that reflected who and what mattered most to him.

    Doug Otter, North Olmsted, Ohio, Obituary: Lakewood
    Doug Otter, North Olmsted, Ohio, Obituary: Lakewood

    His passing has left a profound sense of loss among many communities—family, friends, colleagues, and all who admired the way he led and the way he loved.

    Arrangements and memorial details are expected to be shared by the family in the coming days. Friends and loved ones are being asked to give the family space as they process this unimaginable loss.

    Doug will be remembered for his integrity, his intelligence, his compassion, and the steady, generous presence he offered to so many. His absence will be deeply felt, and his impact will not be forgotten.