Mounties on Hornby Island have released a person of interest in connection with the death of a popular artist and performer in the small B.C. community.

The body of 25-year-old Tempest Grace Gale was pulled Wednesday morning from the water at a local marina.

In Pictures: Hornby Island artist found dead

Comox Valley RCMP took a man into custody for questioning yesterday, but said Thursday morning he was released without charges. Foul play has not been ruled out in Gale's death.

An autopsy is expected Friday.

Matthew Fredbeck, the owner of Ford's Cove Marina, told ctvbc.ca Wednesday night that Gale lived on a boat with her boyfriend. Her parents lived in another boat nearby.

Fredbeck said at about 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, he heard Gale's father scream.

"Murder!" ... "My daughter!"

Fredbeck said he ran down to the dock where the woman's distraught parents and boyfriend were.

Gale's body had been pulled from the water. She was dressed in heavy clothes.

Firefighters were called but they were unable to revive her.

Fredbeck said the person police detained was a man who occasionally visited the island and who had docked at the marina about a week ago.

The man had been harassing many people in the area, including Gale's parents, Fredbeck said.

Fredbeck said the community gathered at a local park Wednesday night to remember the young woman, who was a popular musician and poet. She also rode a unicycle and performed on stilts.

"She was in our store everyday. She was always great to get along with -- very loved by the community," he said. "It's devastating."

Joanne Ovitsland, administrator of the Hornby Festival, said the community of 900 people was reeling.

Ovitsland said she had probably seen Gale perform 100 times.

Sometimes, Gale would show up at the farmer's market on her stilts and read poetry, she said.

"She inspired people. It sounds so clich�, but she lived life so completely and so fully," Ovitsland said.

"She touched everybody through her joy and her life. She participated so fully in the community."

Anyone with information about Gale's death is asked to call the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. (8477).