Tag: BC Coroners Service

Throughout the first six months of 2026, toxic drugs have claimed the lives of 776 people in BC – last year, the final tally was 1,828.

Over the past decade, the Fraser River has seen the most accidental drownings with 48 followed by the Thompson River with 13.

A study found that between 2015 and 2024, alcohol and/or drugs were determined to be a contributing factor in 40% of accidental drowning deaths.

The Northern Health Authority recorded 26 illicit drug deaths in November and December, which was the lowest in the province.

One year after 18-year-old Chantelle Williams died while in provincial care, her family says they still do not know what happened.

Province-wide, 292 people lost their lives due to toxic drugs in May and June – that equates to nearly five deaths per day on average. So far this year, Northern Health has tallied 67 toxic drug deaths, 23 of which were recorded in Prince George.