Mother charged in connection with teenaged son’s death

Lethbridge Police have charged a 38-year-old woman with criminal negligence causing the death of her 13-year-old son.

On December 26, 2024, police responded to the sudden death of a 13-year-old boy, whose body was found along the 1600 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South. 

Following further investigation, it was determined the victim and his mother had been using drugs around 5 p.m. on Christmas Day when he overdosed at a southside residence. A male acquaintance provided life-saving measures and a hang-up call to 911 was made, but upon the arrival of first responders the boy’s mother hid him and lied about his whereabouts to prevent apprehension as he had previously been reported missing.

The mother and son left the residence that evening and walked to a nearby business. Evidence gathered during the investigation indicated the boy was in medical distress. Video surveillance showed the pair spent the night on the street and the boy never moved from the ground. At no time were paramedics called.

On December 26 at approximately 2 p.m., the mother reported she had found her son deceased. Toxicology results to confirm his cause of death are pending. 

Blanche Isobel Irene Fick, 38, of Lethbridge, is charged with criminal negligence causing death and failing to provide the necessaries of life. 

Fick has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court February 7.