IIO Provides Update into December 2025 Death in Smithers (2025-303)

INFORMATION BULLETIN
Independent Investigations Office
For Immediate Release

Surrey, B.C. — The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) of BC is providing an update regarding the death of a First Nations female youth who was found deceased in Smithers on December 27, 2025 (IIO 2025-303).

The youth was reported missing to the RCMP on the evening of December 26, 2025, after staff at her residence were unable to locate her. She was last seen in the area of 9th Avenue and Main Street at approximately 7 p.m.

Shortly after 10 a.m. on December 27, her body was located on a walking trail in Riverside Park.

The IIO was notified on December 31 and commenced an investigation.

It was reported that when the youth was dropped off on December 26, she was wearing a white puffy jacket, blue jeans, and was carrying a black purse.

When she was found deceased the following day, she was wearing grey pajama pants, a black shirt, a black sweater, and western-style ankle boots. The white puffy jacket was not located at that time.

During the course of the IIO investigation, investigators determined that the white puffy jacket had been located inside the youth’s residence approximately one week after her death.

IIO investigators have canvassed the area and conducted multiple interviews. They continue to gather and analyze evidence, including expert reports.

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 officers and detention guards in British Columbia. It investigates all incidents involving officers or detention guards that result in serious harm or death, whether or not there is any allegation of wrongdoing.

info@iiobc.ca