Prince George Youth Charged After Fatal Overdose
In a tragic case that has rocked Prince George, British Columbia, a 17-year-old has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the fatal fentanyl overdose of a 16-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred during the summer of 2024, has prompted a renewed call from police for open conversations about drug dangers among young people.
How It Unfolded: From Overdose to Charge
The investigation began on June 26, 2024, when officers with the Prince George RCMP were called to a home in the College Heights neighbourhood after a teenager was found unconscious. Emergency responders transported the 16-year-old to hospital, where doctors later determined she had extremely high levels of fentanyl in her system. She died in hospital days after the incident.
Months of work by the RCMP Serious Crime Unit followed, and on January 13, 2026, police arrested a 17-year-old youth after the B.C. Prosecution Service approved a manslaughter charge. The accused appeared in court the same morning and was released under strict conditions pending further proceedings.
Legal Limits on Identifying Youth
Because the accused is under 18 and is being dealt with under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, authorities cannot publicly name the teenager unless they are tried as an adult, which is not currently the case. This protection is designed to balance accountability with rehabilitation opportunities for young people in the justice system.
Police Message to the Community
Staff Sergeant Aaron Whitehouse, who oversees plainclothes operations for the Prince George RCMP, described the case as a profound tragedy that has affected not only the victim’s family but the wider community as well. He emphasized that while the legal process will run its course, the incident underscores the importance of discussing the dangers of unprescribed drug use with youth, particularly the unpredictable risks associated with substances like fentanyl.
A Broader Public Health Concern
Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids continue to pose severe public health challenges across British Columbia and Canada, with overdose deaths rising in recent years. Public health agencies encourage prevention, awareness, and access to support services to help reduce harm and save lives, especially among young people who may underestimate the lethality of unregulated drugs.
