On Aug. 25 the BC Coroners Service announced it had identified the human remains discovered Aug. 19 near Norway Island, just east of Peneladut Island, as those of 19 year old Delores Brown from Penelakut, and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) notified the Brown family earlier that day.
Brown's family and community have been praying that the remains would not be hers, and that there could still be hope of locating the missing teen; now they have asked for privacy as they commemorate a member of their island community.
Last seen on July 27, Brown was reported missing July 29 by concerned family and friends. An exhaustive search which included Ground Search and Rescue, Marine Search and Rescue, RCMP tactical troops, helicopters, boats, and community searchers, was conducted in the days following her disappearance.
The BC Coroners Service continues its work determining the cause Brown's death. Pending further results investigators are pursuing a criminal investigation, "as foul play is suspected," says Cpl. Darren Lagan in an Island District RCMP release.
Police ask anyone who may have information on Delores Brown’s disappearance and death to contact Ladysmith RCMP at 250-245-2215 or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.