File Photo (Image Credit: BC Non-Profit Housing Association / YouTube)
Katherine McParland

Beloved Kamloops youth housing advocate McParland died of fentanyl overdose: coroner

Mar 24, 2022 | 1:53 PM

KAMLOOPS — The coroners report into the death of Katherine McParland confirms the beloved Kamloops youth housing advocate died of a fentanyl-related drug overdose.

The report was completed by coroner Kristen Evanski and shared to CFJC Today by the B.C. Coroners Service.

It notes McParland was found by a friend on December 5, 2020, unresponsive in bed. Paramedics with the B.C. Ambulance Service tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate her and she was pronounced dead.

The coroner found drug paraphernalia near McParland’s body and a witness reported McParland had ingested illicit substances the night prior.

In her report, Evanski notes McParland had been abstinent for an extended period before relapsing shortly before her death.

McParland received hospital treatment on November 28 — one week prior — for complications of substance use.

Toxicology analysis detected the presence of both fentanyl and etizolam — a benzodiazepine — in McParland’s system.

McParland is remembered as a fierce and dedicated advocate for youth experiencing homelessness.

Tributes poured in for her after her passing, and a bursary in her name has been established for young adults experiencing housing instability.