Kamloops RCMP and the BC Coroners Service are both investigating the death of Katherine McParland, the founder and Executive Director of A Way Home Kamloops.

A cause of death has not been officially released, but Kamloops RCMP Sgt. Darren Michels say police were called to a house in the 100 block of Lorne Street at 9:13 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, to reports of an unexpected death.

“The RCMP along with the BC Corners Service are conducting concurrent fact finding investigations in relation to this unexpected death but it does not appear to be suspicious at this time,” he said in a statement to NL News, noting the victim was a woman in her 30s.

“Due to the privacy of the deceased and under the Coroners Act, neither agency will be releasing the name of the deceased.”

A Way Home Kamloops Board Chair Louise Richards says the only information they have on McParland’s unexpected passing was that she died this past weekend but she was unable to comment on the circumstances.

“We have no information about her cause of death,” Richards said during a press conference this morning.

People in Kamloops and across British Columbia as well as homeless prevention advocates across the country have been sharing tributes on social media.

“Katherine made a significant impact in our community,” added Richards. “We are deeply grateful for her leadership and her impact will have a ripple effect for generations.”

This Friday’s Camp Out to End Youth Homelessness will be going ahead as scheduled, with Richards noting it was not a tough decision to decide to carry on with the virtual event – calling it a way to carry on McParland’s vision while honouring her legacy.

(Photo via facebook)