Remains of missing Indigenous woman identified: VPD

More than three months ago, a young Indigenous woman was reported missing from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.

On Saturday, the Vancouver Police Department confirmed that a previously unidentified body discovered in Richmond was Tatyanna Harrison, 20.

Harrison was reported missing on May 3, 2022. Her mother, Natasha Harrison, had not heard from her daughter since the end of March.

“This is heartbreaking news to everyone who knew and loved Tatyanna, and to the many strangers who came together to search for her when she disappeared,” says Cst. Tania Visintin.

“Although we are now able to provide some answers, many questions remain, and we will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Tatyanna’s disappearance.”

Investigators believe that Harrison had relocated to Vancouver from Surrey for several weeks before her disappearance.

Harrison’s last text to her mother was sent from somewhere on the Downtown Eastside on Mar. 24.

On June 25, the VPD and Harrison’s mother released a video documenting her last known location, in a plea to anyone with information.

The BC Coroners Service notified the VPD on Friday that a body found on May 2 in Richmond had been identified as Harrison.

“Tragically, we now believe Tatyanna died in another city before she was reported missing,” adds Constable Visintin.

“The Coroners Service has informed VPD that Tatyanna died from drug toxicity, specifically fentanyl.”

Vancouver Police continue to ask anyone with information about Tatyanna's last movements to call VPD Missing Person Unit at (604) 717-2530 or email [email protected].

If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or visit www.solvecrime.ca.