A grieving Australian family is travelling to Canada to recover the body of a young man killed in northeastern British Columbia along with his American girlfriend.
A statement from the family of Sydney-area resident Lucas Fowler was posted on the website of the New South Wales Police Department.
He is the son of senior police officer.
It describes Fowler as a dear son, brother, grandson and friend.
“To lose someone so young and vibrant, who was travelling the world and just enjoying life to the full, is devastating,” the statement from the Fowler family reads.
Fowler and girlfriend Chynna Deese from Charlotte, North Carolina were found dead along the Alaska Highway near the B.C. boundary with Yukon on Monday.
Chynna Deese
Lucas Fowler
RCMP have confirmed the pair are victims of a double homicide that occurred sometime between July 14 and 15.
In a release on Thursday, Northern Rockies RCMP reported two suspicious deaths along the Alaska Highway, 20 kilometres south of the popular Liard Hot Springs in B.C. Their bodies were discovered around 7:20 a.m. PT on July 15.
Police say a 1986 Chevrolet blue minivan with Alberta plates was found nearby.
The 1986 Chevrolet van with Alberta licence plates that was located near the homicide scene. (RCMP)
The 1986 Chevrolet van with Alberta licence plates that was located near the homicide scene. (RCMP)
In an effort to further the investigation and help determine a timeline leading up to their deaths, we are identifying the victims as Chynna Noelle Deese of the United States and Lucas Robertson Fowler of Australia
, said RCMP Sgt. Janelle Shoihet.
Investigators are asking to speak with anyone who may have been travelling in the area of Liard Hot Springs, including any camping areas, and on the Alaska Highway 97 between Sunday, July 14, at 4 p.m. to Monday, July 15 at 8 a.m. Police are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have dashcam footage.
Anyone with information on the blue van or the deaths of Chynna and Lucas, and have not already spoken to police, is asked to contact the Northern Rockies RCMP at 250 774-2700.
“At this point, we have nothing to indicate that their deaths are linked to any other active and ongoing investigations in the area, or if there is a heightened risk to public safety,” a statement from RCMP says.
Files from Canadian Press and CBC
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