Ex-husband of Edmonton woman shot by Calgary police calls for greater mental health awareness
Posted July 11, 2026 11:25 am.
Last Updated July 11, 2026 11:26 am.
The former husband of an Edmonton woman who was shot by Calgary police last month says her history of mental health struggles should have been met with a different response.
Adam Vaananen said he had remained close with Melanie Hambrook despite their separation and had been in regular contact with her, including in the days before her death.
“It has destroyed our lives…”
Hambrook was in the Calgary area in June, where her family believes she was visiting a friend.
Police have said she was driving erratically and fled officers for more than 24 hours before a traffic stop on Deerfoot Trail on June 21.
According to police and Alberta’s police watchdog, Hambrook remained inside her vehicle and was armed with a knife. Officers used pepper spray in an attempt to get her out of the vehicle. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team says Hambrook then walked toward officers, who used a conducted energy weapon, a projectile launcher and a rifle. Hambrook died later in hospital.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting. ASIRT has said a knife was recovered at the scene.
“It wasn’t pre-determined for her to do this. She was having a real mental issue and it’s real.”
Vaananen said Hambrook had experienced mental health challenges but was never violent and had been receiving treatment. He described her as a devoted mother to their 16-year-old son.
“She had a great sense of humour. She was a good mother, she loved her son deeply and was fiercely protective of him. He was her prized possession, and the greatest purpose in her life was her son. She loved art, loved to paint.”
Vaananen said he hopes the case prompts police services to re-examine how they respond to people experiencing mental health crises.
“They should have taken mental illness issues way more seriously. She did not need to be shot for this. There are multiple ways of subduing someone, even if they have a mental breakdown and are endangering people. It makes me so angry.”
An online fundraiser has been launched to help cover Hambrook’s funeral and memorial expenses. Any remaining funds will go toward supporting the couple’s son, who shares his mother’s love of drawing and art.
“It’s a way for her memory to live… through our son. I see her in him so it’s a great thing. And he loves it, I’m very proud of that.”
