The body of a missing 23-year-old Chilliwack mom missing since January was found in the Fraser River near Coquitlam on Wednesday (June 2).
The police did not directly identify the woman.
However, Shaelene Keeler Bell, the mother of two small boys, went missing on Jan. 31, 2021, and police say it’s the same woman, ending a more-than-four-month search.
According to police, there's no evidence to support potential criminal involvement in her death.
"However, the BC Coroners Service is conducting its own fact-finding investigation to determine how, where, when and by what means the death occurred," explains Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Krista Vrolyk in a news release today (June 3).
"Neither the RCMP nor BC Coroners Service have any more information available to share at this time."
She adds the family has been notified and has asked for privacy as they grieve.
A GoFundMe page set up for her boys has raised more than $14,000.
Bell’s disappearance was sometimes cited along inquiries about Trina Hunt, who went missing from her Port Moody home on Jan. 18.
The 48-year-old's body was found March 29 in an area south of Silver Creek near Hope.
A $50,000 reward has been put up by Hunt’s family for information about her suspected murder case.
"My heart is hurting for Shaelene’s soul and all of those who love her," said Hunt family spokesperson Stephanie Ibbott in a reply to a post on the Help Find Shaelene Bell Facebook page this evening.
"There are no words to help ease your pain and grief. There is no such thing as closure or relief when you are still without answers. Know that you have a community supporting you through every step of the way of this journey. We are here for you."
Anyone with information related to Hunt’s death is asked to contact IHIT's information line at 1-877-551-4448 or by email at [email protected].
Anonymous tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477.
- with files from Kyle Balzer, Tri-City News
