Family and friends gathered to remember Bailey McCourt, a Kelowna mother of two, weeks after her tragic death in a daylight attack.
The memorial took place Saturday night at Mission Sports Field. Attendees shared memories and tied posters and pictures of the 32-year-old woman to the baseball diamond fences.
Bailey’s mother, Karen Fehr, said the location was very meaningful for her and her daughter. “She grew up playing ball here,” Fehr said. “First on the coast, then here. She started playing at High Noon Ball Park when she was a child. Whenever she didn’t play, I did on other nights. Everyone here knows her.”
Fehr added that the memorial weekend coincided with the Bats for a Cause tournament. “This tournament is important to all ball players here. It raises money for the children’s hospital. Holding the memorial here was an easy choice.”
Bailey McCourt was attacked on July 4 in a parking lot and later died from her injuries in hospital.
It is alleged that the attacker, Plover, used a hammer. This attack occurred shortly after Plover was convicted of domestic violence charges in a Kelowna courtroom.
The earlier victims’ identities are protected by a publication ban.
McCourt’s family expressed deep anger and sadness over her death. They are calling for changes to the justice system. Plover was granted bail after his convictions, sparking outrage.
“If this case leads to law changes, maybe I can find some peace,” Fehr said. “Women have waited too long for stronger laws against violence.”
Plover remains in custody. He is set to return to court on September 16.
