The funeral for the Mountie killed in the line of duty in Burnaby will be held at the Richmond Olympic Oval next week.
The RCMP announced today that the service for Richmond resident Const. Shaelyn Yang will be held at the Oval next Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m.
Yang, 31, a Burnaby Mountie of three years’ service, was killed earlier this month while accompanying a bylaw officer who was serving a removal notice to a homeless man in a tent in Broadview Park, near Canada Way.
She was allegedly stabbed by Jongwon Ham and subsequently died of her injuries. The suspect was sent to hospital with gunshot wounds but is expected to survive.
Ham was charged with first-degree murder last week in Vancouver provincial court. Murder is automatically first degree when the victim is a police officer, under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Family statement to come soon
The RCMP’s provincial head office said Wednesday that Yang’s family will issue a statement in “the days to come, however, the need to provide the family time and space is important as they go through the grieving process and prepare for the funeral.”
The RCMP added that it’s “working with a number of individuals, groups and businesses that may be directly impacted, prior to providing recommendations and directions such as traffic closures to the public.”
It said further information, including traffic restrictions, will be provided closer to the date.
“The RCMP is grateful for the significant outpouring of public support and condolences. We encourage members of the public to send an electronic message to the family of Cst. Yang to: [email protected].
“Your messages of condolence will be sent to Cst. Yang’s family and to Burnaby RCMP Detachment.”
Seating, said the RCMP, is limited at the funeral venue and will be reserved for family, invited guests, designated officials and uniformed members participating in the funeral march.
Alternative viewing options are being looked at and will be shared as soon as possible.
