A coroner's inquest into the death of 20-year-old Tatyanna Harrison, an Indigenous woman from British Columbia, is scheduled to begin on July 2, 2026. The inquest will take place at the Burnaby Coroners' Court, located in the Metrotower complex on Kingsway, starting at 9:30 a.m. and will be live-streamed for public access.
Background of the Case
Tatyanna Harrison was reported missing on May 3, 2022, by her mother, who had not heard from her since March of that year. However, Harrison's body had already been discovered a day earlier, on May 2, 2022, inside a dry-docked yacht in Richmond. It took authorities several months to identify her remains, with formal identification occurring in August 2022.
Initially, police stated that Harrison died from a lethal fentanyl overdose. However, further investigation revealed that the actual cause of death was sepsis, a severe and often fatal infection.
Police Investigation and Oversight
The Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner ordered a review of the case following concerns about the handling of the investigation. In February 2026, retired B.C. judge Brian Neal ruled that two Vancouver police officers had failed in their duties during the investigation into Harrison's disappearance. Specifically, Neal found that the officers did not conduct a missing person's risk assessment, despite clear risk factors that indicated Harrison was vulnerable.
Harrison's mother, Natasha, expressed her grief and frustration at the time, stating, "Tatyanna was vulnerable and at high risk for harm. She needed to be considered high priority by law enforcement; she needed immediate action by law enforcement."
Chief Coroner's Statement
B.C.'s chief coroner, Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, emphasized the need for a thorough review, saying that an inquest is necessary for a "broad, open, and transparent review" of the circumstances surrounding Harrison's death. Dr. Baidwan also ordered the investigation into her death to be reopened.
In a statement, Dr. Baidwan said, "As a parent, I cannot fathom the trauma and grief that the Harrison family has experienced over the past three years. The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, and the concerns the Harrisons have expressed regarding the circumstances of Tatyanna's death only adds to that pain."
Connection to Other Cases
Dr. Baidwan noted that investigations into the deaths of two other young Indigenous women, Chelsea Poorman and Noelle O'Soup, also remain open. Both women were found dead long after being reported missing, similar to Harrison's case. The chief coroner indicated that these cases may also lead to future inquests.
Dr. Baidwan added, "I offer my sincere condolences to the Harrison family for their loss and hope that this announcement is a step toward providing the closure they seek and deserve."
Purpose of the Inquest
A coroner's inquest is not designed to assign fault or legal responsibility. Instead, its purpose is to determine the facts surrounding a death and to make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future. Coroner Larry Marzinzik will preside over the inquest, and a jury will be responsible for issuing recommendations as they see fit. The jury cannot make any findings of legal liability or reach conclusions in law.
The inquest is expected to provide a platform for the Harrison family and the public to gain a clearer understanding of the events leading to Tatyanna's death and the subsequent investigation.
