Const. Nicole Chan's boyfriend gives heartbreaking testimony on her final hours
Warning: This story contains details about a woman's suicide. A list of resources for people struggling with suicidal thoughts or other mental health challenges can be found at the end.
Vancouver police Const. Nicole Chan left behind a note the morning she took her own life, asking that her dog Ollie be given to her sister and saying that she was “so sorry,” and that “there’s nothing anyone could have done.”
Those details were part of heartbreaking testimony given Wednesday at the coroner’s inquest into her death.
Her boyfriend Jamie Gifford recounted Chan’s final hours, telling the jury she was very upset, and that he saw her with a makeshift noose, knives and scissors the night before she died.
He was concerned enough that he called police, and Chan was taken to Vancouver General Hospital. She was later released.
The next morning, Gifford returned home and found her body.
“When I entered the apartment it was very quiet and I called for Nicole, and there was no answer,” he told the jury.
“That’s when I noticed something tied to the door handle. It was very concerning to me. She had described this to me many times, and I told (my friend) Brandon just to wait at the door, and I opened the bedroom door and found her body,” he said.
Asked what happened next, Gifford took a long pause to compose himself and said: “I was a bit frantic and I told Brandon she was dead.”
Earlier Wednesday, a psychologist asked to do an assessment of Chan’s well-being by WorkSafeBC told the inquest about the officer’s troubled relationship with two senior officers, in particular Sgt. Dave Van Patten, who Chan felt tried to coerce her into having sex.
“She stated that if the investigation of Sgt. Van Patten’s conduct had a negative outcome for her, she might kill herself as a message to the VPD,” testified Dr. Susanne Schibler.
Chan took her own life the morning of Jan. 27, 2019.
Her family has launched a civil suit, alleging Chan had been sexually harassed and assaulted.
Testimony in the coroner’s inquest is expected to wrap up next week. That’s when the jury will be asked to make recommendations to prevent a death like hers from happening again.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, these are some resources that are available:
- Canada Suicide Prevention Helpline (1-833-456-4566)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (1-800 463-2338)
- Crisis Services Canada (1-833-456-4566 or text 45645)
- Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.