RCMP have confirmed that human remains discovered in rural Salmon Arm earlier this spring are those of Nicole Crystal Bell, a Sicamous woman who vanished nearly eight years ago. Bell was reported missing on September 7, 2017, and her disappearance was soon determined to be the result of foul play.The remains were located on May 5, 2025, prompting a targeted search by Salmon Arm RCMP. The BC Coroners Service confirmed Bell’s identity on March 21.Bell was one of five women who disappeared in the North Okanagan during a short time span in 2017, attracting widespread media attention. Investigators with the Southeast District Major Crime Unit, who took over the case on September 26, 2017, now say they believe the person responsible for Bell’s death is also connected to the murder of Traci Genereaux, 18. .Genereaux was reported missing on June 9, 2017. Her body was found on October 20 of that year during a police search of a Salmon Arm property conducted under warrant.Police say they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety because the primary suspect in both cases is deceased.However, other individuals may still be involved. Investigators have not ruled out additional parties to the crimes and are urging anyone with information on the disappearances or deaths of Bell or Genereaux to contact the Southeast District Major Crime Unit at 1-877-987-8477.
