The BC Coroners Service is investigating after a woman died on the streets in North Kamloops on Monday.

Glenn Hilke, the operator of The Loop on Tranquille Road, told Radio NL the woman was found under a tarp near the intersection of Tranquille Road and Knox Street.

“I can confirm that we are investigating a death matching the location you’ve provided on January 8,” BC Coroners spokesperson Ryan Panton told Radio NL. “Because we’re early in the investigation, there’s nothing additional I can provide at this point.”

Hilke did not identify the woman while speaking to Radio NL, as he hadn’t spoken to family, but iNFOnews identified her as Erica Stefan.

“She was a frequent guest at The Loop,” Hilke said. “From what we heard so far, and this is anecdotal from other people who knew her, is that it was potentially a combination of overdose and cold.”

“She was a very animated and vibrant person, at times very, very funny, sometimes we would see her full of joy with her little boombox in the parking lot at The Loop just dancing and having a lot of fun. And other times she was very tenacious and she was a handful.”

Hilke did say the woman was in her 50s and believed she has a son in his late 20s or early 30s, but said he’s not sure where he is.

“She was a wonderful person. Very complicated life. It is a hard pill for everyone that knew her to swallow,” Hilke, who is demanding action from the City and the Province as shelters are overflowing because of the cold snap, added.

“You know maybe started experiencing some aspects related to emotional trauma or just the trauma of living on the street for as long as she has and along with the cold may have triggered some additional drug use just to ease some pain.

Hilke says The Loop will be holding a celebration of life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Erica was a lovely woman and a friend.

I loved seeing her, and I watched her kindness towards others, despite her circumstances, often.

I am gutted. She deserved much better.

We must do better. Outside? OMG.#Kamloops #dignity
https://t.co/6zyjK9bbUx

— Bonnie McBride (@SipsintheCity) January 12, 2024