IN October of 2020, 49 year-old Sean Warnick was charged following an investigation into the Westminster Pier Park fire. The fire occurred on September 13, 2020, and engulfed the old-pier section of the riverfront greenspace.

Warnick was released from custody with conditions during the court proceedings. However the New Westminster Police said on Thursday that it recently became aware he was deceased, the details of which are not being released at this time.

Warnick was charged with mischief to property and arson with damage to property.

The prosecution of the offence has been abated by the death of the accused. There is no further investigation being conducted by police and no additional suspects being sought at this time.