Candlelight vigil held for Cobalt teen recovering in hospital after being attacked, ex-boyfriend charged with attempted murder

**WARNING – This article contains graphic details of intimate partner violence and may be upsetting to some readers

Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.

Around 120 people gathered in Cobalt, Ont., for a candlelight vigil in honour of a 16-teen-year old girl who is recovering from a vicious attack. Nov. 10, 2024 (Charlie Angus)

Kaylie Smith was getting off the bus at the intersection of Upper Helen Street and Prospect Avenue in Cobalt around 6 p.m. Nov. 3 when her ex-boyfriend allegedly hit her with his car before getting out and attacking her with a sword, Ontario Provincial Police said.

Her left hand was severed in the attack.

Phillip Rivard Gagnon, 18, allegedly fled the scene in his vehicle and was arrested on Algonquin Drive in the Haileybury area of Temiskaming Shores shortly after.

Gagnon was serving a conditional sentence when he was charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and weapons possession.

Questions sent to the Haileybury courthouse about his previous conviction have not yet been answered.

Police are calling the attack a case of intimate partner violence.

“The Town of Cobalt came out tonight in a beautiful display of love for Kaylie Smith,” Angus said in a social media post.

Kaylie Smith, 16, is in hospital in Ottawa after suffering a brutal attack on Nov. 3 in Cobalt, Ont. (Paige Smith)

“Horrific violence has taken place, but now is the time for solidarity, community and healing. We light candles to tell darkness that it has no dominion over us.”

An online fundraising campaign has raised more than $94,000 in one week.

The money raised will help support her family, cover any legal fees or anything else she might need during her recovery.

Smith is awake and stable in hospital in Ottawa.

Kaylie Smith, 16, is in hospital in Ottawa after suffering a brutal attack on Nov. 3 in Cobalt, Ont. (Paige Smith)

Gagnon remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 12 in Haileybury.

A protest is planned for outside the courthouse Tuesday morning calling for the judge to deny bail for the accused.

Candlelight vigil held for Kaylie Smith, 16, near where she was viciously attacked on Nov. 3. Nov. 10, 2024 (Sue Nielsen)

Candlelight vigil held for Kaylie Smith, 16, near where she was viciously attacked on Nov. 3. Nov. 10, 2024 (Sue Nielsen)

Candlelight vigil held for Kaylie Smith, 16, near where she was viciously attacked on Nov. 3. Nov. 10, 2024 (Sue Nielsen)

Candlelight vigil held for Kaylie Smith, 16, near where she was viciously attacked on Nov. 3. Nov. 10, 2024 (Sue Nielsen)

Candlelight vigil held for Kaylie Smith, 16, near where she was viciously attacked on Nov. 3. Nov. 10, 2024 (Sue Nielsen)

Help is available

Confidential and free support is available for people experiencing violence. In an emergency, call 911.