Group overdose at Vancouver Island beach leaves 2 dead, 2 critical
West Shore RCMP say emergency crews responded to a report of a group of people in medical distress in the parking area on Taylor Road in Metchosin, B.C., southwest of Victoria at 6:25 a.m. Friday.
Two women have died, and two men are in critical condition following what police believe was a group drug overdose at a beach parking area on Vancouver Island.
West Shore RCMP reported that emergency crews responded to a call at 6:25 a.m. on Friday, involving a group of people in medical distress in the parking area on Taylor Road in Metchosin, B.C., located southwest of Victoria. Upon arrival, officers found evidence of hard drug use. Two women were pronounced dead at the scene, while two men, who appeared to have overdosed, were transported to the hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Access to the beach in the area may be restricted during the investigation, but police have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play and no risk to the public.
These tragic deaths occurred on the same day that the British Columbia Coroners Service reported at least 192 fatalities in July due to unregulated drug toxicity, a 15 percent decrease compared to the same month last year. The service also noted that 1,365 people have died from drug toxicity in the province so far this year, with the annualized death rate currently at 41 per 100,000 residents, down from 46.6 in 2023 and 43.9 in 2021.
Chief Coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan highlighted that this rate translates to approximately 6.2 deaths per day in the province due to the drug toxicity crisis. Data from the coroner's service indicates that Vancouver has seen the highest number of suspected drug toxicity deaths this year, with 296 cases, followed by Surrey with 130 and Greater Victoria with 101. The Northern Health region has the highest concentration of cases, with 75.7 deaths per 100,000 people.
Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside issued a statement emphasizing the need for British Columbia to "expand access to treatment and recovery." She added, "Getting help should be quick and easy, no matter where you live in British Columbia or where you are in your recovery journey," referencing the recent launch of the province's Opioid Treatment Access Line, which aims to connect those in need with healthcare support.
