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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Golf season a summer tourism driver in Canada
Golf is a sign of spring and summer and a major driver for seasonal tourism, experts say.
The kids from 'Mrs. Doubtfire are all SUPER grown up now, and we're not OK
The adorable trio of child actors from the 1993 classic comedy 'Mrs. Doubtfire,' which starred the late and great Robin Williams, are all grown up and looking back on their seminal time together.
Parliamentary report on Emergencies Act decision is 18 months past due — and counting
The erstwhile group of senators and MPs studying the federal government's invocation of the Emergencies Act over the "Freedom Convoy" was supposed to present its findings in December. December of 2022, that is.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.