Wendy Ladner-Beaudry, the sister of former city councillor and Vancouver NPA mayoral candidate Peter Ladner, was found murdered near the University of British Columbia's Pacific Spirit Park Friday.

Ladner-Beaudry, the co-chair of the BC Games Society, is the wife of writer Michel Beaudry and the mother of two daughters.

The 53-year-old is well known in the sporting world for her athletic ability and passion for giving back to the community.

"She was so committed to ensuring that kids had the opportunity to play regardless of their economic background, their ethnic background," said Pete Quivillion of KidSport.

The RCMP issued a public warning late Friday, just hours after the body of Ladner-Beaudry was found by a hiker in a wooded park-like area near 41st Ave. She had apparently been jogging in the area, something friends say she does often.

"Wendy's murder will only strengthen our desire to make the city a safer place for everyone, especially women," said her brother at a press conference Saturday.

RCMP confirms foul play is involved and think the attack may have been random.

Residents in the affluent area say they are shocked something like this could happen in an area that is considered one of the safest in Vancouver.

"I arrived on the scene with these women who were quite distraught and the body lying off to the side, they knew she wasn't alive," said Kathleen Gallard.

"We're always running through the woods in there and often by ourselves. And those trails take you pretty deep in the woods."

"I always go around saying our 'city's safe, don't worry about our city'. Let our kids walk to school. Be out and about. And of course that belief gets shaken," said Suzanne Anton, a Vancouver NPA councillor and Peter Ladner's former co-worker.

Police forces from Delta, Richmond, Vancouver, and New Westminster are assisting with the investigation by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

"We recognize that people are going to have concerns and we share those concerns," said Cpl. Peter Thiessen.

"They need to take appropriate steps to ensure their safety when going into this nature trail, or any nature trail, while their jogging, walking, hiking."

"Please if you know anything that may have led to this crime, please let police know," said Peter Ladner.

With a report by CTV British Columbia's Rob McKee