'Unimaginable tragedy': B.C. mother and daughter killed in suspected grizzly bear attack

A second victim in a suspected grizzly bear attack in Bella Coola, B.C., has been located, and a family member has launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral costs following the “unimaginable tragedy.”

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) posted on Tuesday, Nov. 3, that a team of conservation officers was in the area investigating what is suspected to be a fatal attack by a grizzly bear.

Initially, one individual was located deceased in the Snooka West Trail area, with officers looking for a second individual. The pair’s family reported the two missing on Sunday, Nov. 1.

“Throughout the day, our priorities were to secure the area and protect officers and first responders as they searched for the missing person, then respectfully recover the deceased so they could be brought home to their family,” said BCCOS Insp. Jeff Tyre in an online statement.

“We extend our deepest condolences to both families. We remain committed to supporting them as our investigation continues.”

While authorities have not formally announced the two victims’ names, a family member has confirmed them to be Jenny Balcarras and Selah Reed.

“This sudden and heartbreaking loss has left their family and loved ones devastated,” wrote Mary Melissa Smith, organizer of the GoFundMe campaign and whose brother-in-law is Jenny’s brother, Josh.

According to Smith, Balcarras had recently moved to Bella Coola to pursue a new career.

“She was working toward building a future and had not yet had the opportunity to establish savings or put aside funds to help her family with unexpected expenses such as these,” added Smith. “Tragically, no one could have anticipated that her family would be faced with such an unimaginable loss.

“Selah was just 20 years old, with her whole life ahead of her. She was only beginning her journey into adulthood, making this loss even more heartbreaking.”

BCCOS officers remain in Bella Coola to try to locate and capture any bears involved. Officials added that it is not yet clear if more than one bear was involved in the suspected attack, and any captured bear will be assessed.

“If it is determined to have been involved in the attack, it will be dispatched in accordance with provincial human-wildlife conflict response guidelines to protect public safety.

“Search efforts have concluded. We continue to urge people to stay away from the Snooka West Trail area for their own safety and to give officers the space and time needed to do this work.”

The Nuxalk Nation Chief and Council also issued a statement urging everyone to not go outside alone, avoid hitchhiking, and follow a recommended curfew and be indoors by 8 p.m.

“Talk to your young ones and make a plan so they are supervised and indoors after 8 p.m. The curfew will not be enforced. It is a strong recommendation to ensure our safety.”

According to the GoFundMe, Balcarras leaves behind three young adult children, a son and two daughters, plus a grandchild.

“They are now faced with the devastating loss of their mother and sister while also having to navigate the unexpected financial burden of arranging funeral services and covering the associated expenses for both Jenny and Selah,” wrote Smith.

“We are hoping to ease some of that burden by raising funds to help cover funeral costs and other expenses associated with bringing Jenny and Selah home and laying them to rest.”

At the time of reporting, the fundraiser had raised over $30,000 of its $35,000 goal.

The latest incident comes almost one year after Bella Coola was left reeling after a grizzly bear attack left numerous people injured, some critically.