PUBLIC SAFETY

Justice System Criticized by Mother as Youth Pleads Guilty in 2021 Penticton Track Death

A youth has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the 2021 death of 22-year-old Taig Savage at a Penticton school track. The victim’s mother speaks out.

Published

2 months ago

September 7, 2026

Current Editor

Youth Admits to Manslaughter Charge in Kelowna Court

A youth facing charges in connection with the 2021 death of 22-year-old Taig Savage entered a guilty plea to manslaughter on Sept. 4 in Kelowna Supreme Court. The plea represents a guilty admission to a lesser offense. Court proceedings for the youth are set to resume on Nov. 16.

Because the accused was a minor at the time of the alleged incident, publication of any identifying information is legally prohibited under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Details of the 2021 Incident and Subsequent Charges

The case stems from an incident early on Sept. 5, 2021, when Savage was discovered injured and unresponsive on the running track at Penticton Secondary School around 6 a.m. Although paramedics arrived to render medical aid, he succumbed to his injuries, which were sustained in an alleged attack.

Law enforcement authorities arrested three youth and an 18-year-old, Issac Hayes Jack, in April 2024. Initial manslaughter charges against the four individuals were later elevated to second-degree murder. Among the accused, the only female youth entered a not guilty plea on Apr. 7. Jack, who is the sole defendant named because he was an adult when arrested, is scheduled to stand trial in 2027.

Victim’s Mother Raises Concerns Over Notice and Communication

Prior to the Sept. 4 court session, Savage’s mother, Tracey Savage, shared her distress on social media regarding the handling of the case. She stated that her family received notification of the court appearance at 2 p.m. the previous afternoon.

“Over the past month, I contacted political representatives and government agencies, desperately asking someone to listen, explain how this could happen, or intervene where legally possible. We received silence. Some did not respond at all… Today, as Taig’s mother, I am heartbroken and ashamed of what I am witnessing from our Canadian justice system,” Tracey Savage wrote.

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