The family of a woman found slain on a trail in a forested area near the University of British Columbia described her as a “source of joy, love and inspiration for everyone she met.”
The body of Wendy Ladner-Beaudry, 53, sister of former city councillor Peter Ladner, was discovered Friday afternoon by a hiker along a trail in Pacific Spirit Park, near 41st Avenue and Camosun Street.
“She has worked tirelessly to encourage physical activity and promote sport, especially for women,” the family said in a statement. “She died doing what she loved most.”
Ladner-Beaudry is survived by her husband Michel Beaudry, her daughters Maya, 21, and Jenna, 16, and her five siblings Nancy Edmonds and Jinny, Peter, Stephen and Chris Ladner.
“We would ask anyone who had any knowledge of suspicious behaviour in the area to notify police and help us take back this park for the safe enjoyment of everyone, especially the women who enjoy it so much,” the family said.
It is believed that Ladner-Beaudry was jogging when she was attacked. Police have not said how she died. The family said they were “devastated by this random, senseless act of violence.”
Homicide investigators scoured the park Friday and Saturday with police dogs and a search and canvass team. They also conducted a grid and an aerial search of Pacific Spirit Park.
