Police investigating after missing 22-year-old from Coquitlam, B.C., found dead
A 22-year-old woman from Coquitlam, B.C., who was reported missing Wednesday has been found dead.
Mounties confirmed they located Zailey Smith’s body Thursday, barely 12 hours after releasing a public appeal for help finding her.
Authorities have not released any information on how the young woman died, or if the circumstances were suspicious.
"Coquitlam RCMP is working with New Westminster Police Department to determine the circumstances of (Smith's) death,” Cpl. Alexa Hodgins, the detachment’s media spokesperson, wrote in an email to CTV News. "Further updates will provided as the investigation continues."
Word that the search had ended in tragedy triggered an outpouring of grief from the missing woman's family and friends.
Her mother told CTV News she was devastated by the news, but thanked everyone who helped find her "beautiful baby girl," as well as those who have reached out to offer love and support.
"(Zailey) was so kind to everyone and had a soft heart. She was definitely a bright light in this world," Cyndi Smith said in a statement.
"Her dad, brother Matt, little sister, stepbrother and stepmom will miss her so very much."
Coquitlam RCMP previously said Smith was last seen leaving her home near Clarke Road and Como Lake Avenue on Sunday. Authorities have not revealed where her body was discovered.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Andrew Weichel
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.