B.C. coroner reopens probe into Indigenous woman’s death as families push for answers in 3 cases

British Columbia’s chief coroner has taken the step to reopen the investigation into the tragic death of Tatyanna Harrison, a young Indigenous woman whose body was discovered on a docked yacht in Richmond in May 2022. This decision comes after the family publicly called for an inquest into her death.

Initially, Natasha Harrison, Tatyanna’s mother, was informed that her daughter’s death was attributed to fentanyl toxicity. However, a coroner’s report later revealed that the actual cause of death was sepsis. This discrepancy raised concerns and prompted calls for a thorough review of the case.

Groups such as Justice for Girls and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs have joined forces to demand an independent forensic pathologist review of the B.C. Coroners Service’s findings. This review contested the previous conclusion and stated that the cause of Tatyanna’s death could not be definitively determined.

Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, the chief coroner of British Columbia, expressed deep empathy for the Harrison family’s grief and trauma. In a statement, he acknowledged the pain of losing a child and the additional anguish caused by uncertainties surrounding Tatyanna’s death. As a result, he issued a directive for a coroner’s inquest to thoroughly examine the circumstances leading to her passing.

Tatyanna Harrison’s case is not an isolated incident, as it is part of a series of high-profile deaths of young Indigenous individuals currently under scrutiny. The families of Chelsea Poorman and Noelle O’Soup, who also passed away in the spring of 2022, have requested similar inquiries into their loved ones’ deaths.

The investigations into the deaths of Poorman and O’Soup remain ongoing, with decisions on potential inquests to be made at a later date. The coroner’s office has pledged to maintain communication with the affected families throughout the process.

Natasha Harrison highlighted several troubling aspects of the investigation into her daughter’s death, including delays in the search efforts and a lack of comprehensive examination procedures. She emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, including the processing of a pending rape kit.

In response to the news of the inquest, Sue Brown, a lawyer representing Justice for Girls, expressed relief on behalf of the Harrison family. She acknowledged the challenges faced in seeking justice for Tatyanna and stressed the importance of uncovering the truth surrounding her tragic passing.

The decision to reopen the investigation and conduct a coroner’s inquest signifies a significant step towards seeking justice for Tatyanna Harrison and addressing the concerns raised by her family and advocacy groups. The quest for answers and accountability continues, as efforts are made to shed light on the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.