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A 17-year-old Prince George, B.C., youth has been charged with manslaughter in the death of a 16-year-old girl who suffered a fatal overdose in 2024.
Police say they were called to a home in the College Heights neighbourhood of the city at about 10 p.m. PT on June 26, 2024, where the girl was found unresponsive.
She was transported to the hospital by emergency health services, where she was found to have high levels of fentanyl in her blood. She later died in hospital.
The B.C. Prosecution Service approved one charge of manslaughter against a 17-year-old on Monday. The teen was arrested the same day and subsequently released on conditions.
Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, people aged 12 to 17 who are charged with a crime cannot be identified unless they are tried as an adult.
“This is a tragedy, and our thoughts continue to be with the deceased’s family. We also recognize that this event has had a larger impact on the community including the accused and their family,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Whitehouse, plainclothes commander for Prince George RCMP, in a statement.
Whitehouse said he encourages parents, guardians and teachers to speak with youth about the inherent dangers of unprescribed drug use.