North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP are investigating the tragic death of a young girl who was found barely alive along the Trans-Canada Highway earlier this month.
On May 15th, a 15-year-old girl was found semi-conscious near the outskirts of Duncan close by the Koksilah River in the 5300-block of the Trans-Canada Highway.
The young girl passed away shortly after she was located. Police say she was found under suspicious circumstances.
According to posts on social media, the young girl was covered up with sticks and cardboard and left for dead while unconscious.
Since she was found, the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP General Investigation Section are leading the investigation and police say they are treating the case with extreme priority and concern.
The RCMP’s Forensic Identification Section is aiding the investigation by assessing the scene where she was found, while the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP try to retrace her steps as she was missing for 26 hours prior to her death, according to her mother.
The young girl’s body will undergo medical tests and a toxicology report so investigators can better understand the circumstances of her death and unconsciousness.
Police announced a criminal investigation is ongoing when they issued their release on the incident; however, the day prior a BC RCMP spokesperson said that the investigation was not deemed suspicious and that “investigators believe there was no criminality involved in her death.”
“We are grateful to those who have come forward to provide information to advance this investigation thus far,” said Inspector Chris Bear, Officer in Charge of the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
“We also understand that this is a very emotional and difficult time for those affected by this tragedy.”
Police ask that anyone with information about this incident, contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at (250) 748-5522.
A GoFundMe has been started to help ease the burden on the young girl’s family as they look to heal from this tragedy. At the time of this publication, the fundraiser has raised $3,800.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this story included the name of the deceased, but it has been removed at the request of her mother.
