An RCMP officer working for the Burnaby detachment’s mental health and homeless outreach team who was fatally stabbed Tuesday, is being remembered as a “compassionate and caring member” by her superiors..Constable Shaelyn Yang, 31, was working at a homeless camp on Gilmore Way alongside a City of Burnaby employee Tuesday morning..Shortly after 11 a.m., an “altercation” took place and Yang was fatally stabbed. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, she succumbed to her injuries..Yang’s killer was shot and injured during the altercation and remains in hospital with life non-life threatening injuries..“This is an extremely difficult and tragic day for the BC RCMP and members of Burnaby detachment,” said Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, BC RCMP’s commanding officer..“I can also tell you that Yang died bravely; she answered the call to duty and paid the ultimate price.”.Yang began her career volunteering part time with the Richmond RCMP’s Victim Services, eventually transitioning to a full-time volunteer. In 2019, she made the call to become a police officer, graduating from Depot — RCMP basic training in Regina — at the end of that year. She was posted to Burnaby..“She was a loving wife, sister, and daughter,” said McDonald..“The loss of Shaelyn will be felt by so many. Her death impacts her family, friends, the wider RCMP family, and the vulnerable community she so passionately served. Her loss is immeasurable.”.Burnaby’s Officer-in-Charge, Chief Superintendent Graham De La Gorgendiere described speaking of Yang’s death as the most difficult moment of his career, calling the loss “senseless.”.“Working with mental health and homelessness can be challenging — but Shaelyn embraced it with passion. She found value working with this team and working to help those struggling in our community,” said Gorgendiere, adding resources have been put in place for Yang’s family..The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team took over the investigation into Yang’s death and the Independent Investigations Office of BC will concurrently investigate the actions of police..A witness to the incident told CBC he "saw an officer and a man on the ground" after hearing what sounded to him like a taser.."She wasn't moving," he said.."There was another man who was helping her. And after the police showed up, he was very distraught.". Broadview Park TentA tent is pictured near medical equipment at Broadview Park (courtesy CBC).
