Update: Police investigating undetermined death in Bowness

Our investigation continues into the death of a woman whose body was located on the weekend in the city’s northwest.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., Sunday, July 16, 2023, investigators were conducting inquiries in relation to an ongoing investigation at a residence in the 7900 block of 36 Avenue N.W. Upon a search of the residence, investigators located a woman’s body.

An autopsy was completed today, Tuesday, July 18, 2023, by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), which ruled the woman’s cause of death to be undetermined. We continue to work with the OCME to determine the identity of the woman.

While the death is not criminal in nature, we believe that the woman’s death may have been the result of a drug overdose and first responders were not contacted when she was initially found. The investigation is ongoing.

In Canada, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose to reduce fear of police attending the scene. This Act can protect individuals from being charged with possession of a controlled substance, as well as breach of conditions in some scenarios. However, the moving and disposal of a body could result in criminal charges being laid such as indignity to a body.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips

Case #CA23303781/4110