Police confirmed today that the body found Friday morning in the Black Creek area is that of Elizabeth Marie Lagis, 33.
The body was reported to police just before 9 a.m., and was found in a ditch, just off the Island Highway, 1.5 kilometres south of Hamm Road.
"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," said Cpl. Darren Lagan, spokesperson for the Vancouver Island RCMP said Friday.
On Saturday, an RCMP statement said, "Investigators can now confirm that the body located yesterday morning, off Highway 19, between Courtenay and Campbell River is that of 33 year old Elizabeth Marie Lagis."
The area surrounding the body was immediately cordoned off, including one lane of the highway, to ensure the safety of investigators at the scene.
The cause of death remains under investigation by the BC Coroners Service. Also involved are investigators from the Campbell River and Comox Valley RCMP detachmemts, RCMP Air Services, RCMP Forensic Identification Section and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit.
"As details surrounding this death are confirmed by the Coroners Service, we will adjust the direction of our investigation, as appropriate," said Lagan.
Also on Friday morning, Campbell River RCMP announced they were looking for a missing woman.
"Investigators are conscious of a recent missing person case, involving 33-year-old Elizabeth Marie Lagis of Kingcome Inlet, who was last seen on March 7, in Campbell River," said Lagan in a news release. "Her disappearance, along with any other missing person cases, will be examined by investigators as this investigation progresses."
On March 5, Elizabeth Marie Lagis, 33, traveled from Kingcome Inlet to Campbell River for medical appointments which were scheduled for March 6-7.
Lagis was registered at the Town Center Motel and last spoke with family via telephone on March 6, at 10:30 p.m. However, she failed to attend her appointments on March 7 and has not been located since that time.
Lagis is aboriginal, 5'1", 110 lbs., with brown eyes and long brown hair. She was seen wearing a dark jacket, white shirt, dark pants and white running shoes.
Anyone who witnessed anything unusual in recent days, on Highway 19, is asked to contact the Campbell River RCMP at 250-286-6221 or Crime Stoppers.
Watch for updates at www.campbellrivermirror.com