A Port Coquitlam teen who was reported missing for more than a year died last month.
Noelle "Elli" O'soup was found dead May 1 in an apartment building in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, police confirm to the Tri-City News.
Vancouver police department (VPD) spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison explained officers delivered the news to the 14-year-old's family earlier today (June 22), which marked more than 13 months since the first missing report went public.
"Noelle’s death will generate many questions in the community, and we are committed to finding answers," said Addison to the Tri-City News, noting VPD is now taking lead on the case with help from Coquitlam RCMP.
"If, during the course of this investigation, we determine there is a risk to public safety, we will immediately notify the public."
O'soup was 13 years old when last seen leaving home without permission around 6:30 p.m. on May 12, 2021.
In earlier inquiries, the Tri-City News was told O'soup (they/them) was likely trying to avoid a well-being check, but police said they wanted to ensure the teen's safety.
O'soup was also known to frequent Vancouver. The apartment they were found in is located at 405 Heatley Ave — north of MacLean Park and southeast of Oppenheimer Park.
How O'soup died is still unknown, as of this publication.
Addison said the BC Coroners Service is joining the investigation to determine the cause of death, while VPD major crimes looks into the circumstances of the teen's death.
"Because this is an active and ongoing investigation, we are limited in the amount of detail we can provide."
Anyone with more information on O'soup's death is asked to call VPD's major crime section at 604-717-2500.
