Condolences are pouring in from across the province following the death of a Burnaby Mountie who died while on duty today (Oct. 18).
Dozens of first responders arrived at Broadview Park, on Canada Way between Boundary Road and Willingdon Avenue, at about 11:15 a.m. this morning after receiving unconfirmed reports that an officer was stabbed and died, while another person was shot.
Burnaby RCMP Cst. Shaelyn Yang was identified as the officer who had died by authorities at a press conference this afternoon (Oct. 18).
The loss of Cst. Shaelyn Yang is immeasurable — to her family, her friends — to all her team members — and colleagues — and to the greater community here in Burnaby and across the country." Burnaby RCMP Chief Superintendent Graham de la Gorgendiere said at the conference.
"While I cannot speak to the details of what unfolded this morning as the circumstances are under investigation by IHIT --- her death while on duty and in service to our community is both senseless and tragic."
The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has also confirmed it's been called to an incident in Burnaby.
"We are devastated to hear of the death of a Burnaby RCMP member today in the line of duty," Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley said in a social media post.
"Our thoughts are with [their] family, friends, fellow RCMP members and civilian staff during this terrible time.
"I know our city staff and the community will also feel this deeply — please seek support if needed. We will continue to work closely with the RCMP to provide all the support we can."
Burnaby South MP and federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also sent his condolences after learning of the incident.
"Heart-wrenching news today of the killing of an RCMP officer in Burnaby," he said in a separate post.
"My condolences to their fellow officers, family and loved ones. This is an unimaginable loss in the line of duty."
Burnaby North-Seymour MP Terry Beech also took to social media to share his condolences.
"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the Burnaby RCMP Officer who was killed today and everyone who has been impacted by this horrific event," he said.
"We will continue to do everything we can to support the Burnaby RCMP and its members during this difficult time."
"Our hearts at #VPD are heavy with sorrow — we send our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and our brothers and sisters in the #RCMP following the tragic murder of the @BurnabyRCMP officer," Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer tweeted from his personal account.
Burnaby North MLA Janet Roultedge said she is mourning the loss with the Burnaby community.
"I’m devastated by the tragic loss of life today in Burnaby," she wrote.
"My heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of the RCMP officer who was killed. I’m mourning this loss with the Burnaby community today."
Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Katrina Chen said she was "devastated" to hear of the tragic loss.
"Devestated to hear of the tragic loss of a Burnaby RCMP member Cst. Yang in the line of duty," she wrote in a social media post.
"My heart goes to the officer's family, friends and the entire @BurnabyRCMP detachment. We are so grateful for your selfless service, and we are mourning together as a community."
Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training and Burnaby-Deer Lake MLA Anne Kang also took to social media, saying she is "heartbroken."
"I am heartbroken, learning of the loss of one of our Burnaby RCMP officers, Cst. Shaelyn Yang, who died in the line of duty today," she tweeted.
"My deepest condolences go out to the officer's family, friends and colleagues. My prayers are with you."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he is "incredibly saddened" to hear about the death of a Burnaby RCMP officer.
"I'm incredibly saddened to hear about the killing of a @BurnabyRCMP officer," he wrote.
"My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen officer — I am keeping you in my thoughts during this terrible time."
With files from Cornelia Naylor, Burnaby NOW
