NEWSTEAD, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Erie County Sheriff's Office announced a man allegedly killed his wife, mother and father before he died by suicide on Thursday.
The sheriff's office said 43-year-old Erik Bergum allegedly shot and killed his wife, 37-year-old Mary Beth Bergum, and his mother, 64-year-old Nancy Bergum, at two different locations in Clarence. Erik then allegedly killed his father, 66-year-old Mark Bergum, and died by suicide at 8081 Greenbush Road in Newstead. Erie County records confirm the address is the Ten-X Shooting Club outdoor range.
According to the sheriff's office, a note was found in Erik's vehicle that allegedly provided a timeline of the murders. Much of it was not legible and there was no motive in the note.
The sheriff's office said Erik and Mary Beth had four children. The Eastern Hills Church in Clarence tells 7 News it has established the "Bergum Children Assistance Fund" dedicated to helping with the immediate and long-term needs of the children. Donations noted “Bergum Fund," can be sent to the church at 8445 Greiner Road, Williamsville, NY 14221. You can also donate online here by clicking on “Give Online Now” and selecting the Bergum Fund.
On Monday, the sheriff's office tweeted out a link to a GoFundMe that has been established for the Bergum children also.
You can watch Erie County Sheriff John Garcia and Erie County District Attorney John Flynn provide an update on the incident on Friday morning below.
Clarence Town Supervisor Patrick Casilio released the following statement Friday:
"The Bergum family were a very special part of our Clarence Community for many years. Their involvement in various organizations allowed many people to know just how wonderful they were as friends and neighbors.
Our hearts are heavy for the entire family, but especially for the four children having to deal with such immense loss.
Thank you to Sheriff Garcia, and the entire Erie County Sheriff’s Department for their incredible work during this difficult time. Thank you to the community members in Clarence and all-over Western New York for their outpouring of support for the family.
They will all continue to be in our prayers."
The Clarence Central School District posted the following statement to its website and is offering counseling to students in response to the incident.
Dear Clarence School Community,
By now you have likely learned about the fatal shootings that occurred in Clarence and Newstead earlier today. While the complete details of the incident are not yet known, we do know that the tragedy will impact students, staff, and families in our community.
Because students react to grief and traumatic events in different ways, we wanted you to know that we will have counselors, psychologists, and social workers available to provide support tomorrow. Additionally, partners from local organizations as well as neighboring districts have reached out to offer their assistance, and we will not hesitate to lean on them for help if needed.
While our faculty and staff will be prepared to support our students in the morning, we would also ask that you listen carefully to your child and help them through their reactions and feelings if they are struggling. I wanted to pass along a link from the Child Mind Institute titled “Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event,” and I would also encourage you to reach out if we can help in any way.
Being part of a close-knit community means that events like these can impact us all. We ask that you keep those impacted in your thoughts and prayers, and that you care for yourself and others in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Matt Frahm
Superintendent of Schools
If you are someone you know is in need of help you can find it at the following resources:
- Erie County Crisis Services: 716-834-3131
- National Suicide & Crisis Line: 988
