Friends Rally Support for Young Widow After Oil Rig Tragedy

A community in Calgary is coming together to support a young widow following the tragic death of her husband, Derrick Cullum, who died while working on an oil rig. The incident occurred on December 28, 2023, near Rimbey, Alberta, when Cullum collapsed at his workplace. Despite the efforts of his co-workers, who performed CPR until emergency services arrived, he could not be revived.

In response to this devastating loss, family and friends have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist Cullum’s widow, who is just 25 years old. The campaign has raised nearly $21,000 so far, with a goal of $75,000 to cover funeral expenses and any immediate financial needs that may arise. Cullum and his wife had only been married since July 2023.

Community Support and Remembrance

Supporters of the family describe Derrick Cullum as a cherished individual known for his generous spirit. “Derrick was the give-your-shirt-off-your-back kind of guy,” shared Cassandra Shearer, a family friend. She highlighted his love for the outdoors, mentioning his hobbies of hunting and playing hockey. Shearer recalled, “Whenever I talked to my husband on the phone and Derrick was around, you could always hear him—he was loud, and he was just full of life.”

The community’s response has been heartwarming, with many expressing the importance of supporting Cullum’s widow during this challenging time. “It’s important to help her because if it wasn’t for these men doing their jobs, we wouldn’t have a lot of things that we have today,” Shearer added.

Investigation into Circumstances of Death

The cause of Derrick Cullum’s death remains undetermined. According to Occupational Health and Safety, an investigation is currently underway regarding the fatal workplace incident, which reportedly involved a fall. As of now, attempts to reach Cullum’s employer, Precision Drilling, for comment have not yielded a response.

As the community rallies around the young widow, the GoFundMe campaign serves as a testament to the impact that Derrick Cullum had on those around him. Friends and family continue to share memories and stories that celebrate his life, reinforcing the belief that he will be remembered not only for his work but also for his kindness and zest for life.