The man shot and killed by Victoria police on Saturday has been identified by the B.C. Coroners Service as Rhett Patrick Victor Mutch, 20.
Mutch was shot during a confrontation with police at his mother’s Dallas Road home. According to police, she called 911 after her son broke into the house and threatened to hurt himself with a knife.
Neighbours saw police — some carrying long guns — arrive. Later, two ambulances arrived.
Mutch was shot inside the home. He was transferred to an ambulance but died before being taken to hospital, said coroner Barb McLintock.
An officer was also injured in the confrontation.
The B.C. Coroners Service and the Independent Investigations Office, which has jurisdiction in incidents in which police involvement might have resulted in serious injury or death, are investigating Mutch’s death, McLintock said.
Mutch’s mental health and history have not been revealed, and his family has asked for privacy.
The young man’s friends left messages of condolences on his Facebook page as news of his death spread this week.
“We haven’t reconnected in a year or so,” Derek Dalziel wrote. “Last time we talked, you said you wanted to go to med school. I said ‘Dr. Mutch has a nice ring to it.’ And it still does. So I’m making you an honourary Dr. Mutch, until you get your medical license wherever you are. So stop procrastinating!”
Shane Dunn said although he hadn’t known Mutch long, he considered him a good friend.
“I had always I hoped that I would get to see you again someday, and now I miss you even more,” Dunn wrote.
“I hope that heaven is real so that you can go there, and I just want you to know that you have made a significant impact on my life and I will never forget you. Rest in peace.”
Matthew King wrote: “I don’t want to believe you’re gone, mate. It’s a damn shame, it is. Rest peaceful.”
Last summer, Mutch took part in a 10-day summer trip with the Sail and Life Training Society (SALTS). The adventurers, young people ages 13 to 25, sailed from Ucluelet to Brooks Peninsula to Victoria.
“He participated in one of our voyages in August, a tall ships program,” said Loren Hagerty, executive director of SALTS.
Hagerty said the captain of the voyage has fond memories of Mutch during the trip.
“He said he fit in well. They enjoyed having him on the trip and being part of the community. He left with a big smile on his face,” Hagerty said. The captain said Mutch was keen to be part of the activities and had a great attitude.
“He was a gentle person who had a gift for quietly caring for others. The captain said, ‘It was a real pleasure to sail with him.’ ”
Lauren Brown, who was on that summer sailing trip with Mutch, said the 10 days spent with him were amazing.
“I remember his constant smile, which was always quietly there. Whenever anyone was sick or anything, he would stay up with them. I remember being sick all night and Rhett staying up with me. He was always there to cheer someone up,” she said.
“On the nice days, we would just lie out on deck under the sun and he would be quietly reading his book while we were making bracelets or giggling about something or doing each other’s hair.”
Brown said Mutch will be remembered for his goofy smile and caring soul.
“My prayers go out to his friends and family who are grieving,” she said.
“He will be greatly missed and will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Other friends from SALTS posted online.
“I was so blessed to get to know you this past summer as a friend,” Timna Dumitra wrote on Mutch’s Facebook page. “Even though it was only ten days it was great to find yet another caring young man in this world. I’m praying for you and your family and I can’t wait to be able to see my friend again! God bless you!”
Teagan Black wrote: “I had the pleasure of getting to meet him on our sailing trip this summer! He was a funny guy and always made me smile. He was always very comforting. He was the most genuine and down to earth guy I have met. I wish the best to his family and friends in this tough time.”
