IIO is Investigating the Death of One Woman Near Vanderhoof (2023-343)
Case: 2023-343 Incident Date: October 11, 2023 Agency: RCMP Location: Saik'uz First Nation Detachment: Vanderhoof Incident Classification: Death Case Status: Open - Investigation in ProgressIIO is Investigating the Death of One Woman Near Vanderhoof (2023-343)
INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release
Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is investigating the death of one woman near Vanderhoof.
On November 26, 2023, the IIO was notified of concerns regarding the police response to a request for a wellness check for a woman on the Saik’uz First Nation.
Information provided by the Vanderhoof RCMP confirmed that on October 11, 2023, police were called to conduct a wellness check at a residence. Officers took steps but were unable to locate the affected person at the time.
On November 5, the woman that was subject of the wellness check was found deceased within one kilometre of that same residence.
The IIO commenced an investigation after being notified on November 26.
Initial investigative steps will seek to confirm details leading up to the woman’s death as well as what, if any role police actions or inaction may have played in the incident.
The BC Coroners Service is conducting a concurrent investigation into the cause of death.
The IIO is asking any person with relevant information or video footage of the incident to please contact the Witness Line toll-free at 1-855-446-8477 or via the contact form on the iiobc.ca website.
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.