
RCMP don't suspect foul play after a woman's body was discovered near a river in South Surrey, but they are admitting that it was an unusual spot for someone to make such a discovery.
Found near the Nicomekl River around the intersection of 152nd Street and 40th Avenue, the body was discovered by a passerby at around 5 p.m. on Thursday. The area is known as a fishing spot for locals.
"I think (the passerby was) just out fishing or something like that and they just came across a deceased female," said an RCMP spokesperson. "Unfortunately, it was quite a terrible shock for that person, I'm sure."
While police are not releasing the name of the deceased, they did confirm the body was that of a 20-year-old female from Sudbury, Ont. and that it had been at the spot for a few hours at most.
As for the cause of death, Sgt. Drew Grainger of the Surrey RCMP said that a coroner's report conducted over the weekend did not show any signs that would indicate foul play was involved.
"The results came back saying there was no overt foul play so we're waiting on the toxicology reports to determine if there were any levels of illicit drugs that may have been in the person's body," said Grainger.
When asked if there was any indication that the body had been left in that location, Grainger said it was a possibility, but it had yet to be determined.
"Certainly it's an unusual spot for a body to be found in an outdoor setting," he said.
"It is in an area that is known to be frequented by fishing enthusiasts and it is a possibility that this person could have been there recreationally and had succumbed to whatever illness they may have had."
However, Grainger said nothing would be determined until toxicology reports come back in a few weeks' time.
"Until we get the specifics of the toxicology, we won't be able to know if they may have been using illicit drugs in the area that may have caused them to collapse."
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