The family of Melanie Hambrook, a 53-year-old Edmonton woman fatally shot by Calgary police during a confrontation on Deerfoot Trail in June 2026, has shared their grief and concerns.

Adam Vaananen, her former spouse, described the shock of learning of her death, emphasizing her struggles with mental health and her non-violent nature.The incident occurred after Hambrook, who was reportedly driving erratically for 24 hours, was boxed in by police.Video footage shows officers using pepper spray and non-lethal projectiles before one officer fired a police rifle.Hambrook was hospitalized in critical condition and later died.

Her family criticizes the use of force, calls for policy changes to prevent future tragedies, and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal costs and ensure a dignified burial.They also hope the investigation will lead to accountability and reforms in police procedures.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating the exact sequence of events, but the family remains unconvinced about the necessity of lethal force.This case has sparked broader discussions about mental health support and police conduct in high-stress situations.