Threefold increase in accidental deaths among Kamloops homeless population last year: province
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KAMLOOPS — Kamloops saw a substantial increase in accidental deaths of people experiencing homelessness in 2022.
According to the latest figures released by the BC Coroners Service, Kamloops lost 20 lives of those experiencing homelessness by accidents in 2022, more than triple the six lost in 2021.
The service says the deaths of at least 342 people experiencing homelessness in B.C. were reported last year. Of the 342 deaths, the service says 308 were accidental, up from 235 in 2021. The service considers death due to the toxic drug supply as accidental, and those numbers increased from 219 in 2021 to 287 in 2022.
“Just as it has across all demographics and in communities throughout B.C., the toxic drug supply has significantly contributed to the increased number of deaths among people who are precariously housed or experiencing homelessness,” the service states. “More than eight out of every 10 deaths in the review period were classified as accidental, and of those accidental deaths, more than nine in 10 were determined to have been caused by unregulated drugs.
