Shortly before 9:00 am this morning, the Campbell River and Comox Valley RCMP responded to a report of a body located off the roadway of Highway 19, approximately 1.5 kms south of Hamm Road. (North of Comox)

Upon arrival at the scene, officers located the body of a deceased adult in the ditch. The area surrounding the body was immediately cordoned off, including one lane of the highway, to ensure the safety of investigators at the scene. Officers remain at the scene, and a single lane of the two lane highway will remain closed throughout the day.

The BC Coroner Service is involved, and has attended the scene. The identity and cause of death remain under investigation by the BC Coroners Service.

"In a case such as this, where the cause of death is not immediately known, our investigators must conduct a thorough investigation, ensuring that we collect and secure all potential evidence", states Cpl. Darren Lagan, spokesperson for the Vancouver Island RCMP. "As details surrounding this death are confirmed by the BC Coroners Service, we will adjust the direction of our investigation, as appropriate".

Investigators from the Campbell River RCMP, Comox Valley RCMP, RCMP Air Services, RCMP Forensic Identification Section and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) are involved.

Investigators are conscious of a recent missing person case, involving 33 year old Elizabeth Marie Lagis of Kingcombe Inlet, who was last seen on March 7th, 2012, in Campbell River. Her disappearance, along with any other missing person cases, will be examined by investigators as this investigation progresses.

Anyone who witnessed anything unusual in recent days, on Highway 19, is asked to contact the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221.

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