Police are investigating whether fentanyl played a role in the death of a young teen found unresponsive in a Starbucks bathroom.
Gwyn Staddon was discovered inside the Port Moody coffee shop bathroom Sunday evening with a small amount of drugs, and drug paraphernalia, leading police to believe she died of a drug overdose.
"This is a tragedy," said Sgt. Travis Carroll.
"We're extending our thoughts and prayers to the victim and her loved ones."
The teen was a student at Gleneagle Secondary in Coquitlam and would have been entering Grade 11 in the fall.
Port Moody Police say they will probe if the dangerous recreational drug fentanyl is to blame. Other drugs are sometimes laced with the powerful opioid, often without the knowledge of the user.
"It is extremely strong. It's far stronger than heroin," said Sgt. Carroll.
"A lot of drug users may not realize they're using it."
Tributes to the killed teen have been pouring in on social media, including one who says her death should be "an eye opener" to teens doing drugs.
Police are reminding the public of the risks of illegal drug use as the investigation into Staddon's death continues.
With a report from CTV Vancouver's Sarah MacDonald
