Overview

• Tatyanna Harrison’s death investigation has been reopened, with a public inquest ordered to examine the circumstances and identify recommendations to prevent similar cases.
• Harrison, a 20-year-old Indigenous woman, was found deceased on a dry-docked yacht in Richmond, B.C., in May 2022, with her cause of death officially ruled as sepsis.
• An independent forensic pathologist review challenged the official determination, suggesting the cause of death should have been listed as 'undetermined.'
• Harrison’s family, alongside advocates, raised concerns over investigative delays, including a three-month notification period after her remains were identified and the absence of a rape kit despite suspicious circumstances.
• Investigations into the deaths of two other Indigenous women, Chelsea Poorman and Noelle O’Soup, remain open, with decisions on potential inquests pending.