THE Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) is investigating after a woman and a school-aged girl died after falling from a balcony in North Vancouver.

On Tuesday at 4:30 a.m., North Vancouver RCMP responded to reports of two people that had fallen off of a balcony at an apartment complex in the 100-block of East Esplanade Avenue. Officers located two females suffering from injuries sustained from the fall. First responders, including Fire and BC Ambulance Service, immediately began lifesaving measures. Sadly, the two females were later pronounced deceased.

IHIT is working in partnership with the North Vancouver RCMP, the Integrated Forensic Identification Section (IFIS), and the BC Coroners Service to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic event.

“Police believe the two were known to one another and are not looking for any other suspects at this time,” said Corporal Esther Tupper of IHIT, “There is no ongoing risk to the public and this is an isolated incident.”

If you have any information, you are requested to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Anyone affected by today’s tragedy and who wishes to speak the RCMP Victim Services can do so by calling 604-969-7540.