After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

Chief coroner's statement on the death of Lucia Vega Jimenez

The BC Coroners Service confirms it is investigating the death of 42-year-old Lucia Vega Jimenez, a Mexican national who died December 28, 2013, at Mount St Joseph Hospital in Vancouver, according to a news release to Vancouver Observer from the Government of British Columbia.

Here's more on the death of Ms. Vega Jimenez and BC Coroners Service investigations:


Ms. Vega Jimenez had been taken to hospital the morning of Dec. 20, 2013, after she was discovered hanging in a shower stall at the Immigration Holding Centre at Vancouver International Airport.

She did not regain consciousness and was removed from life support with family present on Dec. 28, 2013.

Chief coroner Lisa Lapointe confirms that the death of Ms. Vega Jimenez was appropriately reported to the BC Coroners Service by hospital personnel and an investigation into the circumstances of her death was immediately commenced.

"BC Coroners Service investigations are independent, impartial and comprehensive. As with all investigations undertaken by the Coroners Service, detailed findings are not reported until the circumstances of the death have been thoroughly and carefully reviewed and the facts determined," Lapointe stated.

"While we cannot prevent speculation about the events surrounding the death of Ms. Vega Jimenez, the Coroners Service will continue to carefully gather the facts using the broad authorities available to us," Lapointe said.

"I can confirm that all of those contacted for information about the circumstances of the death, including federal and provincial agencies, are fully co-operating with Coroners Service investigators." 

The decision as to whether to conclude the investigation by public coroner's report or coroner's inquest will be made once investigators have reviewed the facts, circumstances and issues surrounding the death.

Read More:

More in Crime

Police procedural in a palimpsest

Upintheair Theatre brings "The City and the City" to the city. Noire futurology @ PuShFest.

VPD issue public warning following sexual assault

Vancouver Police are warning the public after a woman was tackled to the ground and sexually assaulted last night. Here's more, from the press release sent to Vancouver Observer by the Vancouver...

Seyed Saeed Sajadi, 5 others charged after Project Talon drug gang bust

Six charged after "Project Talon" busts turn up guns, drugs, and cash.
Speak up about this article on Facebook or Twitter. Do this by liking Vancouver Observer on Facebook or following us @Vanobserver on Twitter. We'd love to hear from you.