IIO Concludes Investigation into July 2024 Death in Vancouver (2024-156)
Case: 2024-156 Incident Date: July 14, 2024 Detachment: Nanaimo Agency: RCMP Location: Vancouver Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Closed - Without Public ReportINFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC has now completed its investigation into the death of one woman in Vancouver (IIO 2024-156).
At about 6:00 a.m. on July 14, 2024, police responded to a report of a body in the water near Granville Island. A woman’s body was recovered, having apparently fallen from the Granville Bridge above. The woman’s vehicle, a grey Toyota Matrix, was subsequently located on the bridge parked with hazard lights on in the southbound lanes near the West 4th Avenue exit.
The IIO commenced an investigation as officers with the Nanaimo RCMP spoke to the woman the previous day in Nanaimo when they responded to a call to check her wellness, and the investigation focused on whether any officer actions or inaction may have been a factor in the death.
The Interim Chief Civilian Director has reviewed the evidence – including medical information, video footage, and police reports – and determined that there are no reasonable grounds to believe the actions or inaction of any officer contributed to the woman’s tragic death. The evidence supports that the woman was not displaying behaviour that would have required her to be apprehended under the Mental Health Act.
The IIO investigation is now concluded.
Background
The IIO is the Independent civilian oversight agency of the police in British Columbia. It investigates all officer-related incidents that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.