Missing Indigenous woman Tatyanna Harrison found dead, Vancouver police confirm
A body found three months ago has been identified as Tatyanna Harrison, a 20-year-old Indigenous woman missing from Vancouver.
The Vancouver Police Department released the information Saturday, saying the BC Coroners' Service confirmed the identification on Friday. The remains were discovered in Richmond on May 2 – the day before Harrison was reported missing – the VPD said.
"This is heartbreaking news to everyone who knew and loved Tatyanna, and to the many strangers who came together to search for her when she disappeared," wrote Const. Tania Visintin in a statment.
“Although we are now able to provide some answers, many questions remain, and we will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Tatyanna's disappearance."
In a Facebook group dedicated to the months-long search for Harrison, a tribute was posted.
"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful Tatyanna Marie Harrison," it read.
Tatyanna has always been bright, smart and feisty. She grew up with a love for reading and the outdoors. She was the type of person who stood up for the little guy and what she believed in. Tatyanna's bright soul was taken from this earth way too young."
Police say Harrison died from fentanyl toxicity but did not provide any further details surrounding the circumstances of her death.
Three weeks ago, the Richmond RCMP released a composite sketch of a woman whose remains were found May 2 on a yacht dry-docked at a marina.
"At this time, her death is not considered suspicious," the July appeal for information said.
The VPD has confirmed the body is the same one that has now been identified as Harrison's.
Mounties described that woman as "Caucasian," in her 30s or 40s, standing 5'5" tall and weighing 90 lbs. Harrison has been described by police as 5'1" tall and slim.
Police in Richmond have released a composite sketch in hopes of identifying a woman found dead in the city two months ago. (Richmond RCMP)
Harrison last had contact with her mother in late March, texting her from somewhere on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. A recently released appeal for information detailed Harrison's last known movements, which included two confirmed sightings of the young woman in Vancouver in April.
Despite the tragic end to the search, police are still asking anyone with information about Harrison's case, including her activities leading up to the day she was found dead, to contact investigators at 604-717-2530.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Poilievre will do 'anything to win,' must condemn Alex Jones endorsement: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ramping up his attacks on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as he promotes his government's federal budget.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
New evidence challenges the Pentagon's account of a horrific attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan: CNN exclusive
New video evidence uncovered by CNN significantly undermines two Pentagon investigations into an ISIS-K suicide attack outside Kabul airport, during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
All Alberta wildfires to date in 2024 believed to be human-caused: province
There are 63 wildfires burning in Alberta's forest protection area as of Wednesday morning and seven mutual aid fires, including one in the Municipal District of Peace.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers
A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
Ottawa injects another $36M into fund for those seriously injured or killed by vaccines
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Ex-SNC executive sentenced to prison term in bridge bribery case
The RCMP says a former SNC-Lavalin executive has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison in connection with a bribery scheme for a bridge repair contract in Montreal.