'Her loss is immeasurable': Slain B.C. RCMP officer worked on Burnaby detachment's homeless outreach team

The RCMP officer who was killed on duty in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday has been identified as Const. Shaelyn Yang, a member of the local detachment's mental health and homeless outreach team.

The RCMP officer who was killed on duty in Burnaby, B.C., Tuesday has been identified as Const. Shaelyn Yang, a member of the local detachment's mental health and homeless outreach team.

Speaking at an emotional news conference hours after the tragedy, the head of the Burnaby RCMP described Yang as a valued member who embraced the challenges involved in working on her specialized unit.

"She was compassionate and caring, and she brought those skills every day to her job working with our community's most vulnerable," said Chief Supt. Graham De La Gorgendiere, who at times struggled to maintain his composure.

De La Gorgendiere described the incident that cost Yang her life as senseless and tragic, and said delivering the news of her death was "probably the most difficult thing I've had to do in my career."

Officials said Yang and a Burnaby bylaw officer were called to Broadview Park on Tuesday morning, and were engaged with someone camping in a tent when an altercation erupted.

Yang was stabbed, and succumbed to her injuries after being rushed to hospital. She was 31.

"She answered the call to duty today and she paid the ultimate price," said Deputy Comm. Dwayne McDonald, commanding officer of the B.C. RCMP. "Her loss is immeasurable."