UPDATE: RCMP say Vernon death was suspicious

UPDATE: 1:45 p.m.

RCMP are now classifying a sudden death in downtown Vernon this morning as suspicious.

Officers were called to assist BC Ambulance Service personnel with an unresponsive person in the 3300-block of 32nd Ave. shortly after 2 a.m. on Jan. 5.

“The initial investigation conducted by the responding officers determined the person’s death to be suspicious,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer. “As a result, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s General Investigation Section, with assistance of the RCMP Forensic Identification Service, are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the individual’s death.”

The BC Coroners Service is also looking into the incident.

Mounties are clamping down on details, not even saying if it was a male or female victim.

“At this time, as part of the ongoing investigation, neither agency will be releasing information related to the victim’s identity,” Terleski stated.

Investigators are looking to speak to anyone who was in the area between 1:30 a.m., and 2 a.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 5. If you witnessed anything suspicious or have information related to the incident, contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at (250) 545-7171.

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UPDATE: RCMP investigating after body found in downtown Vernon
Jan 5, 2022 | 8:00 AM

RCMP are investigating after a dead person was found in downtown Vernon early this morning.

The person was discovered near the Salvation Army House of Hope on 32nd Avenue around 2:00 a.m.

“Frontline officers from the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP responded to a report of a sudden death in the 3300-block of 32nd Ave.,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer.

“The intersection of 33rd Street and 32nd Avenue is closed to foot and vehicle traffic and we are asking the public to avoid the area and choose alternate routes for travel at this time,” Terleski added.

Police investigation scene where body was found on 32nd Ave. in downtown Vernon. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters photo)

The area is expected to remain closed for several hours as officers continue with their investigation.

No other information is being provided at this point.

Police investigation scene where body was found near the House of Hope in downtown Vernon. (Liam Verster/Vernon Matters photo)

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RCMP were called to the scene of an incident in downtown Vernon this morning at 32nd Avenue and 33rd Street just before 5 am.

Crews have cordoned off two blocks around the area and put up a privacy tent in front of the Salvation Army House of Hope.

We have reached out to RCMP for details.